Liquid crystal display

ABSTRACT

One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a liquid crystal display including: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a first color pixel area, a second color pixel area, a third color pixel area, and a white pixel area on any one of the first substrate and the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first color filter is disposed in each of the first color pixel area and the white pixel area, and each of the first, second, third, and white pixel areas includes a plurality of domains, each two adjacent domains having a boundary between them, and the first color filter is disposed at at least one of the boundaries between the domains in the white pixel area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/057,442, filed Aug. 7, 2018, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/813,578, filed Jul. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,042,199, which claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2014-0098506, filed Jul. 31, 2014, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2014-0165454, filed Nov. 25, 2014, and Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2014-0175233, filed Dec. 8, 2014, the entire contentof all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

One or more aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to aliquid crystal display, and more particularly, to a liquid crystaldisplay including a white pixel.

2. Description of the Related Art

As one of the most widely currently used flat panel displays, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) typically includes two display panels on whichfield generating electrodes such as a pixel electrode and a commonelectrode are formed, and a liquid crystal layer positioned between thetwo display panels. The liquid crystal display can display an image bygenerating an electric field on the liquid crystal layer by applying avoltage to the field generating electrodes, determining alignmentdirections of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer usingthe generated field, and controlling polarization of incident light.

Since a liquid crystal display is not self-emissive, a light source isrequired. In this case, the light source may be either a separatelyprovided artificial light source or a natural light source. Theartificial light source used in the liquid crystal display typicallyincludes a light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp(CCFL), and an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL). Theartificial light source can be positioned at a back surface or a sidesurface of the liquid crystal display to supply light. Herein, the lightsource may be a white light source for emitting white light.

In general, a color filter is employed for the liquid crystal display tofacilitate the display of red, green, and blue colors. Recently, aliquid crystal display including white pixels, in addition to red,green, and blue pixels, is being developed to increase the luminancethereof.

However, in the liquid crystal display including the white pixels, therecan be a step (or a separation along the thickness direction) betweenthe white pixels at which no color filter is formed and the other pixelsat which corresponding color filters are formed.

Further, color coordinates of light that is supplied from a light sourceand passes through the white pixels are different from those of thelight in which separate beams first pass through the red pixels, thegreen pixels, and the blue pixels, and then are combined together.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the invention andtherefore it may contain information that does not form the prior artthat is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill inthe art.

SUMMARY

One or more aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directedto a liquid crystal display having a substantially flat top surfacewithout steps (or substantially without a separation along the thicknessdirection) between white pixels and other pixels.

One or more aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directedto a liquid crystal display capable of preventing or substantiallyreducing the color shift generated at white pixels.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a liquid crystaldisplay includes a first color pixel area, a second color pixel area, athird color pixel area, and a white pixel area; a first substrate and asecond substrate facing the first substrate; a first color filterdisposed in each of the first color pixel area and the white pixel areaon the first substrate or the second substrate; a second color filterdisposed in the second color pixel area on the first substrate or thesecond substrate; a third color filter disposed in the third color pixelarea on the first substrate or the second substrate; and a liquidcrystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate,wherein each of the first, second, third, and white pixel areas includesa plurality of domains, each of two adjacent domains having a boundarybetween them, and the first color filter is disposed at at least one ofthe boundaries between the domains in the white pixel area.

The liquid crystal display may further include a pixel electrode in eachof the first, second, third, and white pixel areas, and the first colorfilter may be overlapped with the pixel electrode in the white pixelarea.

The first color filter may have a width that is greater than that of astem portion of the pixel electrode in the white pixel area.

A width of the first color filter in the white pixel area may range from5 μm to 25 μm.

An area of the first color filter in the white pixel area may be 50% orless of the white pixel area.

The first color filter is a green color filter, and an area of the firstcolor filter in the white pixel area may be 50% or less of the whitepixel area.

The first color filter may be a red color filter or a blue color filter,and an area of the first color filter in the white pixel area may be 20%or less of the white pixel area.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and an area of thefirst color filter in the white pixel area may range from 17% to 26% ofthe white pixel area.

The first color filter may be a blue color filter, and an area of thefirst color filter in the white pixel area may range from 12% to 17% ofthe white pixel area.

The white pixel area may further include the second color filter.

The second color filter in the white pixel area may be disposed at atleast one of the boundaries between the domains.

The first color filter may extend in a first direction and the secondcolor filter may extend in a second direction different from the firstdirection.

The first color filter and the second color filter may be overlappedwith each other.

The first color filter and the second color filter may cross each other,and may be overlapped with each other at a portion at which they crosseach other.

The first color may be a green color filter, and an area of the firstcolor filter in the white pixel area may range from 17% to 26% of thewhite pixel area, while the second color may be a blue color filter, andan area of the second color filter in the white pixel area may rangefrom 12% to 17% of the white pixel area.

The third color filter may be further disposed in the white pixel area.

The first color filter, the second color filter, and the third colorfilter may be overlapped with each other in the white pixel area.

The first color filter, the second color filter, and the third colorfilter may be overlapped with each other at a center portion of thewhite pixel area.

The liquid crystal display may further include an overcoat on the firstcolor filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter.

A width of the first color filter in the white pixel area may range from19 μm to 29 μm.

The liquid crystal display may further include an overcoat on the firstcolor filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter, and athickness of the overcoat may range from 2.9 μm to 4.7 μm.

The first color filter in the white pixel area may have a width of 29μm.

The liquid crystal display may further include an overcoat on the firstcolor filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter, and athickness of the overcoat may range from 3.3 μm to 3.4 μm.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a liquidcrystal display including: a first color pixel area, a second colorpixel area, a third color pixel area, and a white pixel area; a firstsubstrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate; a firstcolor filter disposed in each of the first color pixel area and thewhite pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate; asecond color filter disposed in the second color pixel area on the firstsubstrate or the second substrate; a third color filter disposed in thethird color pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate; alight-blocking member disposed at at least one of the boundaries betweenany of the first, second, third, and white pixel areas; and a liquidcrystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate,wherein each of the first, second, third, and white pixel areas includesa plurality of domains, each two adjacent domains having a boundarybetween them, and the light-blocking member is disposed at at least oneof the boundaries between the domains in the white pixel area.

The liquid crystal display may further include a pixel electrode in eachof the first, second, third, and white pixel areas, and thelight-blocking member may be overlapped with the pixel electrode in thewhite pixel area, and the light-blocking member may have a width that isgreater than that of the pixel electrode.

A width of the light-blocking member in the white pixel area may rangefrom 5 μm to 11 μm.

The liquid crystal display may further include an overcoat on the firstcolor filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter, and athickness of the overcoat may range from 3.4 μm to 4.7 μm.

The light-blocking member in the white pixel area may have a width of 8μm.

The liquid crystal display may further include an overcoat disposed onthe first color filter, the second color filter, and the third colorfilter, and the overcoat may have a thickness of 4.1 μm.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a liquidcrystal display including: a first color pixel area, a second colorpixel area, a third color pixel area, and a white pixel area; a firstsubstrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate; a firstcolor filter disposed in the first color pixel area on the firstsubstrate or the second substrate; a second color filter disposed in thesecond color pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate;a third color filter disposed in the third color pixel area on the firstsubstrate or the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer betweenthe first substrate and the second substrate, wherein at least two ofthe first color filter, the second color filter, and the third colorfilter may be further disposed in the white pixel area, and at least twoof the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third colorfilter are overlapped with each other in the white pixel area.

The first color filter and the second color filter may be overlappedwith each other in the white pixel area.

The first color filter and the second color filter may cross each otherin the white pixel area, and may be overlapped with each other at aportion at which they cross each other.

The liquid crystal display may further include a pixel electrodedisposed in each of the first, second, third, and white pixel areas onthe first substrate or the second substrate, and the first color filterand the second color filter may be overlapped with the pixel electrodein the white pixel area.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and the second colorfilter may be a blue color filter.

An area of the first color filter in the white pixel area may range from17% to 26% of the white pixel area, and an area of the second colorfilter in the white pixel area may range from 12% to 17% of the whitepixel area.

The pixel electrode may include a first subpixel electrode and a secondsubpixel electrode, and the first color filter and the second colorfilter may be overlapped with the second subpixel electrode in the whitepixel area.

A data voltage that is applied to the second subpixel electrode may belower than a data voltage that is applied to the first subpixelelectrode.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and the second colorfilter may be a blue color filter.

The first color filter, the second color filter, and the third colorfilter may be overlapped with each other in the white pixel area.

The first color filter and the second color filter may cross each otherin the white pixel area, and the third color filter may be disposed at aportion at which the first color filter and the second color filtercross each other.

The liquid crystal display may further include a pixel electrodedisposed in each of the first, second, third, and white pixel areas, andthe first color filter and the second color filter may be overlappedwith the pixel electrode in the white pixel area.

A thickness of a portion at which the first color filter, the secondcolor filter, and the third color filter are overlapped with each otherin the white pixel area may be the same as a cell gap of the liquidcrystal display.

The first color filter and the third color filter in the white pixelarea may have a bent L-shape, and the first color filter and the thirdcolor filter may be symmetric to each other, with a symmetric axistherebetween, and may be overlapped with each other at the symmetricaxis.

The second color filter in the white pixel area may be disposed at thesymmetric axis.

The white pixel area may have a rectangular shape including two shortsides and two long sides, and the symmetric axis may be at a centerportion of the white pixel area and may extend along a directionparallel with the short sides.

A thickness of a portion at which the first color filter, the secondcolor filter, and the third color filter are overlapped with each otherin the white pixel area may be the same as a cell gap of the liquidcrystal display.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a liquidcrystal display including: a first color pixel area, a second colorpixel area, a third color pixel area, and a white pixel area; a firstsubstrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate; a firstcolor filter disposed in each of the first color pixel area and thewhite pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate; asecond color filter disposed in the second color pixel area on the firstsubstrate or the second substrate; a third color filter disposed in thethird color pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate; apixel electrode and a common electrode on the first substrate; and aliquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate, wherein each of the first, second, third, and white pixelareas includes a plurality of domains, each two adjacent domains havinga boundary between them, and the first color filter is disposed at atleast one of the boundaries between domains in the white pixel area.

The pixel electrode may include a plurality of slits.

The plurality of domains may include a first domain and a second domain,and a direction of extension of the slits in the first domain may bedifferent from a direction of extension of the slits in the seconddomain.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a liquidcrystal display including: a first color pixel area, a second colorpixel area, a third color pixel area, and a white pixel area; a firstsubstrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate; a firstcolor filter disposed in each of the first color pixel area and thewhite pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate; asecond color filter disposed in the second color pixel area on the firstsubstrate or the second substrate; a third color filter disposed in thethird color pixel area on the first substrate or the second substrate;and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate, wherein the first color filter is entirely disposed in thewhite pixel area, and a thickness of the first color filter in the whitepixel area is smaller than a thickness of the first color filter in thefirst color pixel area.

The first color filter may be a green color filter or a blue colorfilter.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and a thicknessratio of the first color filter in the white pixel area to the firstcolor filter in the first color pixel area may be in a range of 0% to20%.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and a thicknessratio of the first color filter in the white pixel area to the firstcolor filter in the first color pixel area may be in a range of 5% to10%, inclusive.

The first color filter may be a blue color filter, and a thickness ratioof the first color filter in the white pixel area to the first colorfilter in the first color pixel area may be in a range of 0% to 10%.

The first color filter may be a blue color filter, and a thickness ratioof the first color filter in the white pixel area to the first colorfilter in the first color pixel area may be in a range of 1% to 5%,inclusive.

The second color filter may be in each of the second color pixel areaand the white pixel area.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and the second colorfilter may be a blue color filter.

A thickness ratio of the first color filter in the white pixel area tothe first color filter in the first color pixel area may be in a rangeof 0% to 20%, and a thickness ratio of the second color filter in thewhite pixel area to the second color filter in the second color pixelarea may be in a range of 0% to 10%, inclusive.

A thickness ratio of the first color filter in the white pixel area tothe first color filter in the first color pixel area may be in a rangeof 5% to 10%, inclusive, and a thickness ratio of the second colorfilter in the white pixel area to the second color filter in the secondcolor pixel area may be in a range of 1% to 5%, inclusive.

The second color filter may be entirely disposed in the white pixelarea, and the thickness of the second color filter in the white pixelarea may be smaller than the thickness of the first color filter in thesecond color pixel area.

The second color filter may be on the first color filter in the whitepixel area.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a liquidcrystal display including: a first color pixel area, a second colorpixel area, a third color pixel area, and a white pixel area; a firstsubstrate and a second substrate facing each other; a first color filterdisposed in each of the first color pixel area and the white pixel areaon the first substrate or the second substrate; a second color filterdisposed in the second color pixel area on the first substrate or thesecond substrate; a third color filter disposed in the third color pixelarea on the first substrate or the second substrate; and a liquidcrystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate,wherein an area ratio of the first color filter in the white pixel areato the white pixel area is in a range of 0% to 25%.

The first color filter may be a green color filter or a blue colorfilter.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and an area ratio ofthe first color filter in the white pixel area to the white pixel areamay be in a range of 10% to 25%, inclusive.

The first color filter may be a blue color filter, and an areadifference between the first color filter in the white pixel area andthe white pixel area may be in a range of 8% to 15%, inclusive.

The second color filter may be disposed in each of the second colorpixel area and the white pixel area.

The first color filter may be a green color filter, and the second colorfilter may be a blue color filter.

An area ratio of the second color filter in the white pixel area to thewhite pixel area may be in a range of 0% to 20%, inclusive.

An area ratio of the first color filter in the white pixel area to thewhite pixel area may be in a range of 10% to 25%, inclusive, and an arearatio of the second color filter in the white pixel area to the whitepixel area may be in a range of 8% to 15%, inclusive.

The liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention can reduce the size of the steps (or separations alongthe thickness direction) between the color pixels by forming the colorfilters in the white pixel.

Further, generation of the color shift in the white pixel can beprevented or substantially reduced by adjusting an area ratio of thecolor filters that are formed in the white pixel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a fourth color pixel ofa liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a fourth colorpixel of the liquid crystal display according to one or more embodimentsof the present invention taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a fourth color pixel ofa liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present inventiontaken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a fourth color pixelof a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17A to FIG. 17F are top plan schematic views illustrating a domainincluded in a fourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XX-XX of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 21 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a fourth color pixelof a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XL-XL of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a plan schematic view illustrating one pixel of a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XLIV-XLIV of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a graph illustrating a reduction ratio of transmittanceaccording to an area ratio of a color filter or a light-blocking memberthat is formed in a white pixel;

FIG. 46 is a graph illustrating color coordinates according to an arearatio of a color filter or a light-blocking member that is formed in awhite pixel;

FIG. 47 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of light that passesthrough white pixels and light in which separate beams first passthrough the red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel, and then arecombined.

FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 are graphs illustrating step sizes according to thethickness of an overcoat for each shape of various color filters in awhite pixel area;

FIG. 50 is a top plan view illustrating a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line LI-LI of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 to FIG. 54 are cross-sectional schematic views of one or moreacts of a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display according toone or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 56 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line LVII-LVII of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line LIX-LIX of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a graph illustrating transmittance according to a thicknessratio of a color filter disposed in a white pixel area of a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 61 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 63 to FIG. 65 are cross-sectional schematic views of one or moreacts of a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display according toone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 69 is a graph illustrating transmittance according to an area ratioof a color filter disposed in a white pixel area of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 70 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 71 is a graph illustrating transmittance spectra of a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 72 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichexemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. As those skilled inthe art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified invarious different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scopeof the present invention.

In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc.,are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals designate likeelements throughout the specification. It will be understood that whenan element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to asbeing “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are nointervening elements present.

Expressions such as “at least one of” and “one of,” when preceding alist of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modifythe individual elements of the list. Further, the use of “may” whendescribing embodiments of the present invention refers to “one or moreembodiments of the present invention.”

As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be consideredsynonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,”respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to anexample or illustration. In addition, the term “substantially,” “about,”and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms ofdegree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations inmeasured or calculated values that would be recognized by those ofordinary skill in the art.

Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include allsub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recitedrange. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include allsubranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 andthe recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equalto or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0,such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitationrecited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitationssubsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in thisspecification is intended to include all higher numerical limitationssubsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amendthis specification, including the claims, to expressly recite anysub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein. All suchranges are intended to be inherently described in this specificationsuch that amending to expressly recite any such subranges would complywith the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12, first paragraph, and 35U.S.C. § 132(a).

First, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 andFIG. 2.

FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line II-II of FIG. 1.

The liquid crystal display according to the present embodiments includesa first substrate 110 and a second substrate 210 facing the firstsubstrate 110, and a liquid crystal layer 3 between the first substrate110 and the second substrate 210.

The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210 may be eachindependently formed of glass, plastic, and/or the like. The liquidcrystal layer 3 may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 310,and may be formed as a positive type or a negative type.

A light source 500 may be disposed (or positioned) at a rear (or bottom)surface of the first substrate 110. The light source 500 may include alight emitting diode (LED) to supply light 510. An orientation of theliquid crystal molecules 310 of the liquid crystal layer 3 is determinedaccording to an electric filed generated between the first substrate 110and the second substrate 210, and an amount of light that passes throughthe liquid crystal layer 3 is varied according to the orientation of theliquid crystal molecules 310. A plurality of color filters 230R, 230G,and 230B are disposed on the second substrate 210. When the lightpassing through the liquid crystal layer 3 passes through the colorfilters 230R, 230G, and 230B, some of the light passes through the colorfilters, while the rest of the light is absorbed into the filters.

The liquid crystal display may include a plurality of pixel areas, andthe pixels areas may be divided into a first color pixel area PX(R), asecond color pixel area PX(G), a third color pixel area PX(B), and afourth color pixel area PX(W). The first color pixel area PX(R), thesecond color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B)respectively display different colors, and their colors may be combinedinto a white color. The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may display awhite color. For example, the first color pixel area PX(R), the secondcolor pixel area PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) may respectively display red, green, blue, andwhite colors.

However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.For example, the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may respectively display cyan, magenta, yellow, and whitecolors.

In some embodiments, the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B arepositioned in the respective pixel areas on the second substrate 210.Specifically, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and the third color filter 230B are respectively disposed in the firstcolor pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the thirdcolor pixel area PX(B). The first color filter 230R may serve as a redfilter for exclusively permitting red light (of the white light emittedfrom the light source) to pass therethrough. The second color filter230G may serve as a green filter for exclusively permitting green light(of the white light emitted from the light source) to pass therethrough.The first color filter 230R may serve as a blue filter for exclusivelypermitting blue light (of the white light emitted from the light source)to pass therethrough.

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Asshown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the third color filter 230B is disposed (orpositioned) in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). However, embodimentsof the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the firstcolor filter 230R or the second color filter 230G may be disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) instead of the third color filter 230B.The location of the filters may be varied depending on the desiredeffect. For example, the green filter and/or the blue filter may beformed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) to prevent a yellowishphenomenon thereof (e.g., to prevent or reduce a yellowish appearance ofthe images displayed by the liquid crystal display). In someembodiments, the color pattern that is disposed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W) may be a light-blocking member 220, which will bedescribed later. In some embodiments, the light-blocking member 220 andat least one of the first color filter 230R, the second color filter230G, and the third color filter 230B may be disposed together in thefourth color pixel area PX(W). For example, the second color filter 230Gand the light-blocking member 220 may be formed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W).

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be formed ina rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides. At thefirst color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and thethird color pixel area PX(B), each of the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may be formedin a substantially quadrangular shape, which may be similar to theshapes of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B), respectively.

The third color filter 230B may be also disposed at a region of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), thethird color filter 230B may be formed to have a bar-like shape extendingin one direction. For example, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), thethird color filter 230B is disposed at the center of the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), between the two short sides thereof, to extend in adirection that is in parallel to the short sides. However, the shape ofthe third color filter 230B may be changed in various ways without beinglimited thereto.

The third color filter 230B disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) and the third color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixelarea PX(B) may be both formed in the same process act. Accordingly, thethird color filter 230B disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W)and the third color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel areaPX(B) may be formed to have the same thickness. However, embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, thethird color filter 230B disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W)and the third color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel areaPX(B) may have different thicknesses, even when both filters are formedin the same process act. For example, by using (or utilizing) a halftonemask or a slit mask, the third color filter 230B disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) can be formed to have a smaller thickness thanthat of the third color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixelarea PX(B). Alternatively, the third color filters 230B disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) and the third color pixel area PX(B) maybe respectively formed in different process acts.

In some embodiments, color coordinates of a white light displayed fromthe fourth color pixel area PX(W) (in which no color filter is formed)may be different from color coordinates of a white color obtained bycombining light emitted from the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B). Inother words, a color shift may be generated in the white light displayedby the fourth color pixel area PX(W). In embodiments of the presentinvention, it is possible to enable color coordinates of the white lightpassing through the fourth color pixel area PX(W) to approach colorcoordinates of the white light obtained after separate beams of lightpass through the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B) and are combined,by forming the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and the third color filter 230B in the fourth color pixel area PX(W),and adjusting the ratio of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B).

The light-blocking member 220 may be further disposed (or positioned) atthe boundaries between the first color pixel area PX(R), the secondcolor pixel area PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W). The light-blocking member 220 may be disposed atthe boundaries between the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) toprevent or reduce color mixture, light leakage, and/or the like.

An overcoat 240 may be further disposed on the first color filter 230R,the second color filter 230G, the third color filter 230B, and thelight-blocking member 220. The overcoat 240 may serve to planarize a topsurface of the second substrate 210.

When no color filter is formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) todisplay a white color, it may be difficult perform the planarization dueto steps (or separations along the thickness direction) formed betweenthe fourth color pixel area PX(W) and the other pixel areas. As aresult, a cell gap CG (as illustrated in FIG. 2) may be larger in theregion where the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is positioned than thatof the regions where pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B) are positioned.However, in embodiments of the present invention, the steps (orseparations along the thickness direction) between the fourth colorpixel area PX(W) and the other pixel areas can be removed (orsubstantially removed) by forming at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B inthe fourth color pixel area PX(W), thereby accomplishing easyplanarization. Accordingly, the cell gap CG of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) can be similar to that of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), andPX(B).

A thickness “tw” of the overcoat 240 disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may be substantially the same as a thickness “tg” of theovercoat 240 disposed in each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), andPX(B). In some embodiments, a difference between the thickness “tw” ofthe overcoat 240 disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) and thethickness “tg” of the overcoat 240 disposed in each of the pixel areasPX(R), PX(G), and PX(B) may be within a range of 10% of the thickness“tg” thereof. Here, the thickness “tw” and/or “tg” of the overcoat 240may be a distance from the top surface of the second substrate 210 (thesurface of the second substrate 210 facing the liquid crystal layer) toa top surface of the overcoat 240 (the surface of the overcoat 240facing the liquid crystal layer), or a distance from a gap between thecolor filters 230R, 230G, and 230B to a layer disposed below the colorfilters 230R, 230G, and 230B. Herein, the layer disposed below the colorfilters 230R, 230G, and 230B may be a passivation layer disposed abovethe thin film transistor.

In some embodiments, none of the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B is formed at awhite-light region of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Since no colorfilter is disposed at the white-light region, white light can bedisplayed by enabling all wavelength bands of a visual ray region (orvisible spectrum) to pass through the white-light region. However,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, a white color filter may be disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W).

In this case, the white color filter may be formed of a transparentphotoresist that can permit all the wavelength bands of the visual rayregion to pass therethrough.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 3 to FIG. 5.

FIG. 3 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a top planschematic view illustrating a fourth color pixel of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a fourthcolor pixel of the liquid crystal display according to the embodimentsof the present invention taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) of the liquidcrystal display includes 4 domains (i.e., a first domain D1, a seconddomain D2, a third domain D3, and a fourth domain D4). Specifically, thefourth color pixel area PX(W) is divided into 4 domains by onehorizontal line (or horizontal reference line) and one vertical line (orvertical reference line). Here, a domain disposed at an upper side withrespect to the horizontal line and at a left side with respect to thevertical line is referred to as the first domain, and a domain disposedat the upper side with respect to the horizontal line and at a rightside with respect to the vertical line is referred to as the seconddomain. Similarly, a domain disposed at a lower side with respect to thehorizontal line and at the right side with respect to the vertical lineis referred to as the third domain, and a domain disposed at the lowerside with respect to the horizontal line and at left side with respectto the vertical line is referred to as the fourth domain.

Alternatively, the domains may be divided according to a direction inwhich the liquid crystal molecules 310 are inclined (or tilted). In aninitial state, the liquid crystal molecules 310 are disposed in adirection that is perpendicular to the first substrate 110. However,when an electric field is generated in the liquid crystal layer 3, theliquid crystal molecules 310 are inclined at a predetermined (or set)angle. In this case, the liquid crystal molecules 310 positioned at afirst domain D1, a second domain D2, a third domain D3, and a fourthdomain D4 may be inclined in different directions. The liquid crystalmolecules 310 positioned at the first domain D1 may be inclined in anupper left direction with regard to the vertical line and the horizontalline, and the liquid crystal molecules 310 positioned at the seconddomain D2 may be inclined in an upper right direction with regard to thevertical line and the horizontal line. The liquid crystal molecules 310positioned at the third domain D3 may be inclined in a lower rightdirection with regard to the vertical line and the horizontal line, andthe liquid crystal molecules 310 positioned at the fourth domain D4 maybe inclined in a lower left direction with regard to the vertical lineand the horizontal line

This criterion for dividing the domains is merely an example, and thedomains may be divided according to another criterion.

Each of the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel areaPX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B) may include 4 domains.

In some embodiments, the third color filter 230B is formed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) and is disposed at the boundaries between thedomains D1, D2, D3, and D4. Specifically, the third color filter 230Bmay be disposed at a boundary between the first domain D1 and the fourthdomain D4, and a boundary between the second domain D2 and the thirddomain D3. In this case, the third color filter 230B is extending alongand is overlapped with the horizontal line serving as the reference fordividing the fourth color pixel area PX(W) into the domains D1 and D2,and D3 and D4.

The boundaries between the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 may be a darkportion (e.g., light transmittance may be low at the boundaries betweenthe domains). By disposing the third color filter 230B in the boundaryregion between the domains, the overall reduction in transmittance maybe reduced or minimized.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a gate line 121 and a storage electrodeline 131 are formed on the first substrate 110.

In some embodiments, the gate line 121 mainly extends in a horizontaldirection (substantially parallel to the horizontal reference line ofFIG. 3), and transmits a gate signal. A gate electrode 124 is formed toprotrude from the gate line 121.

The storage electrode line 131 extends in a direction that is parallelwith the gate line 121 (i.e., a horizontal direction), to transfer apredetermined (or set) voltage (e.g., a common voltage). A storageelectrode 133 is formed to extend from the storage electrode line 131.The storage electrode 133 may be formed to have such a shape so as tosurround an edge of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

A gate insulating layer 140 is formed on the gate line 121, the gateelectrode 124, the storage electrode line 131, and the storage electrode133. The gate insulating layer 140 may be formed of any suitableinorganic insulating material, such as a silicon nitride (SiNx) and/or asilicon oxide (SiOx). In addition, the gate insulating layer 140 may beformed as a single layer or as a multilayer.

In some embodiments, a semiconductor 154 is formed on the gateinsulating layer 140. The semiconductor 154 is overlapped with the gateelectrode 124. The semiconductor 154 may be formed of amorphous silicon,polycrystalline silicon, and/or a metal oxide, but is not limitedthereto.

An ohmic contact member may be further formed on the semiconductor 154.The ohmic contact may be made of a silicide or of a material such as n+hydrogenated amorphous silicon in which an n-type impurity such asphosphorus is doped with a high concentration.

A data line 171, a source electrode 173, and a drain electrode 175 areformed on the semiconductor 154. The source electrode 173 protrudes fromthe data line 171, and the drain electrode 175 is separated from thesource electrode 173. The source electrode 173 and the drain electrode175 overlap with the gate electrode 124.

The gate electrode 124, the source electrode 173, and the drainelectrode 175 form one thin film transistor Q together with thesemiconductor 154, and a channel of the thin film transistor Q is formedin a semiconductor (e.g., a portion of the semiconductor 154) disposedbetween the source electrode 173 and the drain electrode 175.

A passivation layer 180 is formed on the data line 171, the sourceelectrode 173, the drain electrode 175, and an exposed portion of thesemiconductor 154. A contact hole 185 is formed in the passivation layer180 to expose at least a part of the drain electrode 175.

A pixel electrode 191 is formed on the passivation layer 180. The pixelelectrode 191 may be formed of a transparent metal oxide such as indiumtin oxide (ITO) and/or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limitedthereto.

A general shape of the pixel electrode 191 is substantially aquadrangle. The pixel electrode 191 includes a cross-shaped stemincluding a horizontal stem portion 193 (substantially parallel to thegate line 121), and a vertical stem portion 192 crossing the horizontalstem portion 193. In some embodiments, the pixel electrode 191 includesa micro-branch portion 194 that extends from the horizontal stem portion193 and the vertical stem portion 192. An extension 197 is furtherformed to extend from the quadrangular pixel electrode 191. Theextension 197 is physically and electrically connected to the drainelectrode 175 through the contact hole 185 to receive a data voltagefrom the drain electrode 175.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) is divided into four domains D1, D2,D3, and D4 by the horizontal stem portion 193 and the vertical stemportion 192 of the pixel electrode 191. The micro-branch portion 194obliquely (or indirectly) extends from the horizontal stem portion 193and the vertical stem portion 192. For example, at the first domain D1,the micro-branch portion 194 extends upward from the horizontal stemportion 193 and left from the vertical stem portion 192. At the seconddomain D2, the micro-branch portion 194 extends upward from thehorizontal stem portion 193 and right from the vertical stem portion192. At the third domain D3, the micro-branch portion 194 extends downfrom the horizontal stem portion 193 and right from the vertical stemportion 192. At the fourth domain D4, the micro-branch portion 194extends down from the horizontal stem portion 193 and left from thevertical stem portion 192. When the electric field is generated in theliquid crystal layer 3, the direction in which the liquid crystalmolecules 310 are inclined may be determined according to the directionof formation of the micro-branch portion 194.

Each micro-branch portion 194 may form an angle of about 45 or about 135degrees with respect to the gate line 121 or the horizontal stem portion193. The extending directions of the micro-branch portions 194 of anytwo adjacent domains may be perpendicular to each other.

The pixel electrode 191 may further include an outer stem that surroundsan outer circumference of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

In the fourth pixel area PX(W), the third color filter 230B is formed onthe second substrate 210 to face the first substrate 110 (e.g., thethird color filter 230B is formed on the side of the second substrate210 facing the first substrate 110). In some embodiments, the thirdcolor filter 230B is extending along and is overlapped with thehorizontal stem portion 193 of the pixel electrode 191. The horizontalstem portion 193 serves to divide the fourth color pixel area PX(W) inhalf, with the domains D1 and D2 located in the upper half of the pixeland domains D3 and D4 located in the lower half of the pixel, asillustrated in FIG. 4, and is disposed (or positioned) at the boundarybetween the domains D1 and D2, and the domains D3 and D4. Accordingly,the third color filter 230B is disposed at the boundary between thedomains D1 and D2, and the domains D3 and D4.

As described above, the liquid crystal molecules 310 positioned at thedomains D1, D2, D3, and D4 may be inclined (or tilted) in differentdirections when the electric field is generated in the liquid crystallayer 3. Here, the inclination directions (or the directions of tilt) ofthe liquid crystal molecules 310 positioned at (or near) the boundariesbetween the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 may be unclear. As a result, thetransmittance of the boundary regions between the domains D1, D2, D3,and D4 is often relatively lower than that of the central regions of thedomains D1, D2, D3, and D4. Accordingly, if the third color filter 230Bis formed at the central regions of the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 ofthe fourth color pixel area PX(W), the overall transmittance maydecrease. However, when the third color filter 230B is formed at theboundaries between domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) (for example, extending along the boundary between domains D1and D4 and the boundary between domains D2 and D3), as described in oneor more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to minimizethe reduction in transmittance.

Further, since the boundaries between the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 arepositioned at the central region of the pixel (i.e. the horizontal andvertical lines are each positioned in the center between the tworespective sides of the pixel), it is easy to perform planarization. Forexample, if the third color filter 230B having a bar shape and extendingin the horizontal direction is formed in the central regions of thefirst domain D1 and the second domain D2, the overcoat 240 may be flatly(or substantially flatly) formed at the first domain D1 and the seconddomain D2, but the flatness of the overcoat 240 in the third domain D3and the fourth domain D4 can be reduced. However, when the third colorfilter 230B is positioned at the boundary line between the domains D1,D2, D3, and D4 (for example, extending along the boundary betweendomains D1 and D4 and the boundary between domains D2 and D3), asdescribed in the present embodiments, the overcoat 240 can be flatlyformed across the entire area of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

A width W of the third color filter 230B may range from about 5 μm toabout 25 μm. In embodiments where the third color filter 230B is formedto extend along and overlap the horizontal stem portion 193 of the pixelelectrode 191, a pattern of a metal wire may be formed to have a widthof about 5 μm. For example, the third color filter 230B may be formed tohave a width that is wider than the width of the horizontal stem portion193 of the pixel electrode 191. If the third color filter 230B is formedto have a width that is narrower than that of the horizontal stemportion 193 of the pixel electrode 191, the light passing through thefourth color pixel area PX(W) may not pass through the third colorfilter 230B, and the color coordinate shift effect may not be achieved.In contrast, if the width of the third color filter 230B is too wide,the reduction in transmittance may be increased. Accordingly, inembodiments of the present invention, the width W of the third colorfilter 230B may be equal to or smaller than about 25 μm.

In some embodiments, the light-blocking member 220 is formed at the edgeof the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and the overcoat 240 is formed onthe third color filter 230B and the light-blocking member 220.

A common electrode 270 is formed on the overcoat 240 (e.g., on the sideof the overcoat 240 facing the first substrate 110). The commonelectrode 270 may be formed of a transparent metal oxide such as indiumtin oxide (ITO) and/or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limitedthereto.

A predetermined (or set) voltage (e.g., a common voltage) is applied tothe common electrode 270. Accordingly, when a data voltage is applied tothe pixel electrode 191, an electric field is generated between thepixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270, and the liquid crystalmolecules 310 of the liquid crystal layer 3 disposed therebetween arearranged in a predetermined (or set) direction, according to thegenerated electric field.

Hitherto, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention has been described. Each of thepixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B) has a similar (or substantiallysimilar) structure as that of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).However, unlike the fourth color pixel area PX(W) where the third colorfilter 230B is disposed only in the boundary regions between the domainsof the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the first color filter 230R isdisposed in most of the first pixel area PX(R), the second color filter230G is disposed in most of the second pixel area PX(G), and the thirdcolor filter 230B is disposed in most of the third pixel area PX(B).

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the electricfield is generated in the liquid crystal layer 3, the direction in whichthe liquid crystal molecules 310 are inclined is determined according toa formation direction of the micro-branch portion 194, and thus thepixel is divided into the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4, according to theinclination direction of the liquid crystal molecules 310. However,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention, the pixel electrode and the common electrode may beformed on the same substrate, and a horizontal electric field may begenerated in the liquid crystal layer 3. In this case, each of the pixelelectrode and the common electrode may be formed to have a bar shape(e.g., to be a bar electrode), and the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode may be alternately disposed. Alternatively, any one of thepixel electrode and the common electrode may be formed as aplanar-shaped electrode (e.g., a planar electrode), and the otherelectrode may be formed to have a bar shape. Here, the pixel electrodeand/or the common electrode may be bent at least one time within onepixel area. In this case, the liquid crystal molecules positioned atopposite sides with respect to the bending point of the electrode may bearranged in different directions. Accordingly, one pixel area may bedivided into a plurality of domains according to the arrangementdirections of the liquid crystal molecules. Since the arrangement of theliquid crystal molecules is not uniform at boundaries between thedomains, the reduction in transmittance may be minimized by forming acolor filter in the boundary regions between the domains.

Hitherto, the embodiments where each of the color filters 230R, 230G,and 230B is disposed on the second substrate 210 have been described,but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, each of the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B may be disposedon the first substrate 110. This embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6illustrates a cross-section of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

As shown in FIG. 6, the gate electrode 124, the semiconductor 154, thesource electrode 173, the drain electrode 175, and the passivation layer180 are formed on the first substrate 110, and the third color filter230B (in the fourth color pixel area PX(W)) is disposed (or positioned)on the passivation layer 180.

Other overcoat 182 is further formed on the passivation layer 180 andthe third color filter 230B, and the pixel electrode 191 may be formedon the other overcoat 182.

The contact hole 185 is formed in the passivation layer 180 and theother overcoat 182, and the pixel electrode 191 is connected to thedrain electrode 175 through the contact hole 185.

The light-blocking member 220, the overcoat 240, and the commonelectrode 270 are formed on the second substrate 210.

Here, the structure of each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B)is similar (or substantially similar) to that of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). For example, in the first pixel area PX(R), the first colorfilter 230R may be disposed on the first substrate 110, in the secondpixel area PX(G), the second color filter 230G may be disposed on thefirst substrate 110, and in the third pixel area PX(B), the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed on the first substrate 110.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the light-blocking member220 is formed on the second substrate 210, but the embodiments are notlimited thereto. For example, the light-blocking member 220 may beformed on the first substrate 110. In this case, the light-blockingmember 220 may be formed on the passivation layer 180, and the otherovercoat 182 may be formed on the passivation layer 180, the third colorfilter 230B, and the light-blocking member 220.

In some embodiments, each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), andPX(W) is divided into four domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 by the horizontalstem portion 193 and the vertical stem portion 192 of the pixelelectrode 191, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. The domainsmay be divided by various means, for example, with cutouts and/orprotrusions. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7and FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a fourth color pixel ofa liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of theliquid crystal display according to the embodiments of the presentinvention taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the pixel electrode 191 includes a partialplate electrode 195 disposed at the center thereof, and a plurality ofmicro-branch portions 194 that are disposed to obliquely protrude fromthe partial plate electrode 195. The partial plate electrode 195 may beformed to have a rhombic or hexagonal shape with four to six sides, butis not limited thereto. The micro-branch portion 194 may form an angleof about 90 degrees with the respective sides of the partial plateelectrode 195.

A cutout 275 is formed in the common electrode 270 to have a cross-likeshape, and functions as a liquid crystal control mechanisms. Anintersection (a crossing region) of the cross-like structure of thecutout 275 is overlapped with the center of the rhombic shape of thepartial plate electrode 195 of the pixel electrode 191. In someembodiments, the cutout 275 serves to improve the controllability of theliquid crystal molecules 310.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) is divided into four domains D1, D2,D3, and D4 by the cross-like cutout 275 of the common electrode 270. Thethird color filter 230B is disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and partially overlaps the cross-like cutout 275. For example,the cross-like cutout 275 may include a horizontal portion and avertical portion, and the third color filter 230B may overlap thehorizontal portion. In the embodiments where the cutout 275 serves todivide the fourth color pixel area PX(W) into the domains D1, D2, D3,and D4, the cutout 275 is disposed (or positioned) at the boundariesbetween the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4. As a result, the third colorfilter 230B is disposed at at least one of the boundary regions betweenthe domains D1, D2, D3, and D4.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the first color pixel area PX(R), the secondcolor pixel area PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) are sequentially disposed next to each other toform a line (along a line direction), and the third color pixel areaPX(B), the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the first color pixel areaPX(R), and the second color pixel area PX(G) are sequentially disposednext to each other to form another line (along another line direction),such that the first color pixel area PX(R) and the third color pixelarea PX(B) are vertically adjacent to each other, and the second colorpixel area (PX(G) and the fourth color pixel area PX(W) are verticallyadjacent to each other. However, the arrangement of each of the pixelareas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be embodied in various wayswithout being limited thereto. An arrangement of the pixel areas PX(R),PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first color pixel area PX(R) and the secondcolor pixel area PX(G) are horizontally adjacent to each other. Thefirst color pixel areas PX(R) are vertically adjacent to each other, andthe second color pixel areas PX(G) are vertically adjacent to eachother.

The second color pixel area PX(G) is also horizontally adjacent to thethird color pixel area PX(B) or the fourth color pixel area PX(W).Accordingly, one part of the second color pixel area PX(G) ishorizontally adjacent to the first color pixel area PX(R) and the thirdcolor pixel area PX(B), and the other part of the second color pixelarea PX(G) is horizontally adjacent to the first color pixel area PX(R)and the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a ratio of an area occupied by the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) to the whole area of the liquid crystal displayis about ¼. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, a ratio of an areaoccupied by the fourth color pixel area PX(W) to the whole area of theliquid crystal display may be about ⅙. Further, in the embodiment ofFIG. 9, the ratio of an area occupied by the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) to the whole area of the liquid crystal display can be increasedto about ¼ by adjusting a length ratio of one side of each of the pixelareas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(B).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10 andFIG. 11.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and11 is different from the above-described embodiments in that the colorfilter disposed (or positioned) in the fourth color pixel area isconnected to the color filter of an adjacent pixel area.

FIG. 10 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XI-XI of FIG. 10.

In FIG. 11, the illustration of the first substrate, the liquid crystallayer, the light source, and/or the like is omitted, and these elementscan be understood by referring to FIG. 1. For convenience ofillustration, in FIG. 11, a surface of the second substrate 210 on whichthe color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B are positioned (i.e. the surfaceof the second substrate 210 facing the first electrode 110) isillustrated as being directed or facing upward.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B). A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern may include at least one of the first colorfilter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter230B.

In some embodiments, the third color filter 230B may be disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) and may be connected to the third colorfilter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B). In otherwords, the third color filter 230B disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may protrude from the third color filter 230B disposed in thethird color pixel area PX(B).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12 toFIG. 14.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 is substantially thesame as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment of FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 and the above-described embodiments isa direction of extension of the color filter disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area, and hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 12 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG. 13 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a top planschematic view illustrating a domain included in a fourth color pixelarea of a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are respectively disposedin the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G),and the third color pixel area PX(B). A color pattern may be formed inthe fourth color pixel area PX(W), and the color pattern may include atleast one of the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and the third color filter 230B.

In some embodiments, the second color filter 230G may be disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W). For example, the second color filter 230Gmay be disposed in a region of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). In thefourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G may beformed to have a bar-like shape that extends in one direction. Forexample, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter230G is disposed in the center between two long sides of the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) to extend in a direction that is in parallel withthe long sides. However, the shape of the second color filter 230G maybe changed in various ways without being limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the second color filter 230G disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) is connected to the second color filter 230Gdisposed in the second color pixel area PX(G) has been described, butembodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, the second color filter 230G may be disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W), but may not be connected to the second colorfilter 230G disposed in the second color pixel area PX(G).

As shown in FIG. 13, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes thefirst domain D1, the second domain D2, the third domain D3, and thefourth domain D4, and the second color filter 230G is disposed atboundaries between the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4. For example, thesecond color filter 230G is disposed at a boundary between the firstdomain D1 and the second domain D2, and a boundary between the thirddomain D3 and the fourth domain D4. In this case, the second colorfilter 230G overlaps the vertical line serving as the reference fordividing the fourth color pixel area PX(W) into the domains D1, D2, D3,and D4.

As shown in FIG. 14, the pixel electrode 191 includes a horizontal stemportion 193 and a vertical stem portion 192 crossing each other (andsubstantially perpendicular to each other), and a micro-branch portion194 extending therefrom. The fourth color pixel area PX(W) is dividedinto four domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 by the horizontal stem portion 193and the vertical stem portion 192 of the pixel electrode 191. The secondcolor filter 230G is positioned to overlap with the vertical stemportion 192 of the pixel electrode 191.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15 andFIG. 16.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 and the above-described embodiments isthe position of the color filter disposed in the fourth color pixelarea, that hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 15 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a top planschematic view illustrating a fourth color pixel of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15, a color pattern may be formed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), and the color pattern may include at least one of thefirst color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B.

In some embodiments, the second color filter 230G may be disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W). The second color filter 230G may bedisposed in a region of the fourth color pixel area PX(W), for example,at the center of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

Here, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes the first domain D1,the second domain D2, the third domain D3, and the fourth domain D4, andthe second color filter 230G is disposed at the boundaries between thedomains D1, D2, D3, and D4. For example, the second color filter 230Gmay overlap an intersection or a crossing region of the horizontal lineand the vertical line serving as the references for dividing the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) into the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4. Accordingly,the second color filter 230G may partially overlap each of the firstdomain D1, the second domain D2, the third domain D3, and the fourthdomain D4.

As shown in FIG. 16, the drain electrode 175 includes a surroundedregion that is surrounded by the source electrode 173, and thesurrounded region of the drain electrode 175 may further includes anextension 176 extending from the surrounded region into the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). The extension 176 may be disposed at the center of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). In some embodiments, the contact hole 185is formed to expose the extension 176 of the drain electrode 175, andthe pixel electrode 191 is connected to the extension 176 of the drainelectrode 175.

The pixel electrode 191 includes a horizontal stem portion 193 and avertical stem portion 192 disposed to cross each other (e.g., to besubstantially perpendicular to each other), and a micro-branch portion194 extending therefrom. The fourth color pixel area PX(W) is dividedinto four domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 by the horizontal stem portion 193and the vertical stem portion 192 of the pixel electrode 191.

The second color filter 230G positioned in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) may be overlapped with the extension 176 of the drain electrode175. The second color filter 230G may also be overlapped with thecontact hole 185. The second color filter 230G may be disposed at aportion of intersection of the horizontal stem portion 193 and thevertical stem portion 192 of the pixel electrode 191.

In some embodiments, the drain electrode 175 is made of an opaque metal,and the reduction in transmittance can be minimized by disposing thesecond color filter 230G of the fourth color pixel area PX(W) to overlapwith the drain electrode 175.

Although in FIGS. 15 and 16, the second color filter 230G is illustratedto have a circular shape, it may be formed to have various shapes, forexample, a quadrangular shape or an ellipsoidal shape, without beinglimited thereto. Alternatively, the second color filter 230G may beformed to have a bar-like shape, and may be disposed at a region atwhich the drain electrode 175 and the pixel electrode 191 are overlappedwith each other, for example, where the drain electrode 175 isoverlapped with a lower half of the vertical stem portion of the pixelelectrode 191.

In the above-described embodiments, each of the pixel areas PX(R),PX(G), and PX(B) has a similar (or substantially similar) structure asthat of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 17A toFIG. 20.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 17A to FIG. 20 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 17A to FIG. 20 is different from the above-described embodiments inthat each pixel area is divided into a plurality of subpixels, andhereinafter, this difference will be described in more detail.

FIG. 17A to FIG. 17F are top plan schematic views illustrating a domainincluded in a fourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and FIG.18 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectionalschematic view of the liquid crystal display according to theembodiments of the present invention taken along the line XIX-XIX ofFIG. 17A, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquidcrystal display according to the embodiments of the present inventiontaken along the line XX-XX of FIG. 17A.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may include aplurality of subpixel areas, each of the subpixel areas including afirst subpixel area PX_h and a second subpixel area PX_l. Each of thefirst subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l includes afirst domain D1, a second domain D2, a third domain D3, and a fourthdomain D4.

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Forexample, the third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed in at least one of the first subpixel areaPX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l. For example, the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed in the second subpixel area PX_l of thefourth color pixel area PX(W), at boundaries between the domains D1, D2,D3, and D4 included in the second subpixel area PX_l of the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). For example, the third color filter 230B may bedisposed at a boundary between the third domain D3 and the fourth domainD4 included in the second subpixel area PX_l of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). Here, the third color filter 230B overlaps with a part ofthe vertical line serving as a reference for dividing a subpixel areainto the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4.

However, the present embodiments are not limited thereto, and thepositions of the color patterns in the fourth color pixel area may bechanged in various ways. Hereinafter, various positions of the colorpatterns will be described with reference to FIG. 17B to FIG. 17F.

As shown in FIG. 17B, a color pattern disposed (or positioned) in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) may include the third color filter 230Bdisposed between the first subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixelarea PX_l. A region formed between the first subpixel area PX_h and thesecond subpixel area PX_l serves as a region at which a thin filmtransistor and/or the like are disposed, and corresponds to anon-display area. Accordingly, when the color pattern is disposedbetween the first subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l,the reduction of an aperture ratio can be minimized.

Further, the third color filter 230B may be disposed at a boundarybetween the first domain D1 and the second domain D2 of the firstsubpixel area PX_h and at a boundary between the third domain D3 and thefourth domain D4 thereof, and at a boundary between the first domain D1and the second domain D2 of the second subpixel area PX_l and at aboundary between the third domain D3 and the fourth domain D4 thereof.

Herein, when the third color filter 230B is disposed at the boundarybetween the first domain D1 and the second domain D2 of the firstsubpixel area PX_h and at the boundary between the third domain D3 andthe fourth domain D4 thereof, and at the boundary between the firstdomain D1 and the second domain D2 of the second subpixel area PX_l andat the boundary between the third domain D3 and the fourth domain D4thereof, a width W1 of the third color filter 230B may range from about5 μm to about 25 μm. In some embodiments, the third color filter 230Bmay be disposed between the first subpixel area PX_h and the secondsubpixel area PX_l. When the third color filter 230B is disposed betweenthe first subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l, a widthW2 of the third color filter 230B may be substantially the same as awidth W3 of the non-display area in which a thin film transistor and/orthe like are disposed, which may be in a range from about 25 μm to about100 μm.

As shown in FIG. 17C, a color pattern disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may include the third color filter 230B, and the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed between the first subpixel area PX_h and thesecond subpixel area PX_l. Further, the third color filter 230B may bedisposed at a boundary between the first domain D1 and the fourth domainD4 and a boundary between the second domain D2 and the third domain D3of each of the first subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel areaPX_l.

Herein, when the third color filter 230B disposed at a boundary betweenthe first domain D1 and the fourth domain D4 and a boundary between thesecond domain D2 and the third domain D3 of each of the first subpixelarea PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l, a width W4 of the thirdcolor filter 230B may range from about 5 μm to about 25 μm.

As shown in FIG. 17D, a color pattern disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may include the third color filter 230B, and the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed between the first subpixel area PX_h and thesecond subpixel area PX_l. In addition, the third color filter 230B maybe disposed at boundaries between the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 of thefirst subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l.

As shown in FIG. 17E, a color pattern disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may include the third color filter 230B, and the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed between the first subpixel area PX_h and thesecond subpixel area PX_l. In addition, the third color filter 230B maybe disposed at a boundary between the first domain D1 and the seconddomain D2, and a boundary between the third domain D3 and the fourthdomain D4, of each of the first subpixel area PX_h and the secondsubpixel area PX_l. In addition, the third color filter 230B may bedisposed at a portion of the boundary between the first domain D1 andthe fourth domain D4, and at a portion of the boundary between thesecond domain D2 and the third domain D3, of each of the first subpixelarea PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l.

In this case, the third color filter 230B disposed in each of thesubpixel areas PX_h and PX_l may be formed to have a substantiallycross-like shape, where a vertical portion of the cross-like shape maybe formed to have a length that is similar to that of a vertical side ofeach of the subpixel areas PX_h and PX_l, and a horizontal portion ofthe cross-like shape may be formed to have a length that is shorter thanthat of a horizontal side of each of the subpixel areas PX_h and PX_l.The horizontal portion of the cross-like shape of the third color filter230B may be disposed at the center of each of the subpixel areas PX_hand PX_l.

As shown in FIG. 17F, a color pattern disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may include the third color filter 230B, and the third colorfilter 230B may be disposed between the first subpixel area PX_h and thesecond subpixel area PX_l. The third color filter 230B may be disposedat or near a boundary between the first domain D1 and the fourth domainD4, and a boundary between the second domain D2 and the third domain D3,of each of the first subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel areaPX_l. In addition, the third color filter 230B may be disposed at aportion of the boundary between the first domain D1 and the seconddomain D2, and a portion of the boundary between the third domain D3 andthe fourth domain D4, of each of the first subpixel area PX_h and thesecond subpixel area PX_l.

In this case, the third color filter 230B disposed in each of thesubpixel areas PX_h and PX_l may be formed to have a substantiallycross-like shape, where a horizontal portion of the cross-like shape maybe formed to have a length that is similar to that of a horizontal sideof each of the subpixel areas PX_h and PX_l, and a vertical portion ofthe cross-like shape may be formed to have a length that is shorter thanthat of a vertical side of each of the subpixel areas PX_h and PX_l. Thehorizontal portion and the vertical portion of the cross-like shape maybe separated from each other.

In the descriptions of FIG. 17A to FIG. 17F, the third color filter isdisposed in one fourth color pixel area. However, the third color filtermay also be disposed in an adjacent color pixel area. In this case, thethird color filters disposed in the adjacent fourth color pixel areasmay have different widths.

Hereinafter, the fourth color pixel area shown in FIG. 17A will bedescribed in more detail. FIG. 18 is a more detailed view of the fourthcolor pixel area shown in FIG. 17A.

As shown in FIG. 18, a gate line 121 and a storage electrode line 131are formed on a first substrate (not shown).

The gate line 121 extends substantially in a horizontal direction totransmit a gate signal. A first gate electrode 124 h and a second gateelectrode 124 l extend from the gate line 121 and are connected to eachother. A third gate electrode 124 c protrudes from the gate line 121 tobe separated from the first gate electrode 124 h and the second gateelectrode 124 l. The first to third gate electrodes 124 h, 124 l, and124 c are connected to the same gate line 121 to receive the same gatesignal.

The storage electrode line 131 extends in the same direction as the gateline 121, and a predetermined (or set) voltage is applied to the storageelectrode line 131. A storage electrode 133 and a protrusion 134protrude from the storage electrode line 131. The storage electrode 133may be formed to surround a first subpixel electrode 191 h to bedescribed later, and the protrusion 134 may protrude toward the gateline 121.

In some embodiments, a gate insulating layer (not shown) is formed onthe gate line 121, the first to third gate electrodes 124 h, 124 l, and124 c, the storage electrode line 131, the storage electrode 133, andthe protrusion 134. The gate insulating layer may include an inorganicinsulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) and/or silicon oxide(SiOx). The gate insulating layer may be formed as a single layer or asa multilayer.

A first semiconductor 154 h, a second semiconductor 154 l, and a thirdsemiconductor 154 c are formed on the gate insulating layer. The firstsemiconductor 154 h is positioned on the first gate electrode 124 h, thesecond semiconductor 154 l is positioned on the second gate electrode124 l, and third semiconductor 154 c is positioned on the third gateelectrode 124 c.

On the data line 171, a first source electrode 173 h, a first drainelectrode 175 h, a second source electrode 173 l, a second drainelectrode 175 l, a third source electrode 173 c, and a third drainelectrode 175 c are respectively formed on the first to thirdsemiconductors 154 h, 154 l, and 154 c and the gate insulating layer.

The first to third semiconductors 154 h, 154 l, and 154 c may berespectively formed on the first to third gate electrodes 124 h, 124 l,and 124 c, and may also each independently be formed below the data line171. The second semiconductor 154 l and the third semiconductor 154 cmay be connected (or coupled) to each other. However, embodiments of thepresent invention are not limited thereto. For example, the first tothird semiconductors 154 h, 154 l, and 154 c may be formed only on thefirst to third gate electrodes 124 h, 124 l, and 124 c, and the secondsemiconductor 154 l and the third semiconductor 154 c may be separatedfrom each other.

In some embodiments, the data line 171 transfers a data signal andextends in a substantially vertical direction to cross the gate line121.

The first source electrode 173 h protrudes from the data line 171 on thefirst gate electrode 124 h. The first source electrode 173 h may have abent C-shape on the first gate electrode 124 h.

The first drain electrode 175 h is spaced apart from the first sourceelectrode 173 h on the first gate electrode 124 h. A channel is formedat an exposed part of the first semiconductor layer 154 h between thefirst source electrode 173 h and the first drain electrode 175 h.

The second source electrode 173 l protrudes from the data line 171 onthe second gate electrode 124 l. The second source electrode 173 l mayhave a bent C-shape on the second gate electrode 124 l.

The second drain electrode 175 l is spaced apart from the second sourceelectrode 173 l on the second gate electrode 124 l. A channel is formedon an exposed part of the second semiconductor layer 154 l between thesecond source electrode 173 l and the second drain electrode 175 l.

The third source electrode 173 c is connected to the second drainelectrode 175 l, and is formed on the third gate electrode 124 c.

The third drain electrode 175 c is formed on the third gate electrode124 c and is spaced apart from the third source electrode 173 c. Achannel is formed at an exposed portion of the third semiconductor layer154 c positioned between the third source electrode 173 c and the thirddrain electrode 175 c.

The first gate electrode 124 h, the first semiconductor 154 h, the firstsource electrode 173 h, and the first drain electrode 175 h constitute afirst thin film transistor Qh. Further, the second gate electrode 124 l,the second semiconductor 154 l, the second source electrode 173 l, andthe second drain electrode 175 l constitute a second thin filmtransistor Ql, and the third gate electrode 124 c, the thirdsemiconductor 154 c, the third source electrode 173 c, and the thirddrain electrode 175 c constitute a third thin film transistor Qc.

In some embodiments, a passivation layer is formed on the data line 171,the first to third source electrodes 173 h, 173 l, and 173 c, and thefirst to third drain electrodes 175 h, 175 l, and 175 c.

The passivation layer has a first contact hole 185 h for exposing aportion of the first drain electrode 175 h, a second contact hole 185 lfor exposing a portion of the second drain electrode 175 l, and a thirdcontact hole 185 c for exposing portions of the protrusion 134 and thethird drain electrode 175 c.

A first subpixel electrode 191 h and a second subpixel electrode 191 lare formed on the passivation layer. The first subpixel electrode 191 his formed in the first subpixel area PX_h, and the second subpixelelectrode 191 l is formed in the second subpixel area PX_l. In addition,a bridge electrode 196 is formed on the passivation layer.

The first subpixel electrode 191 h is connected to the first drainelectrode 175 h through the first contact hole 185 h, and the secondsubpixel electrode 191 l is connected to the second drain electrode 175l through the second contact hole 185 l. The bridge electrode 196 iselectrically connected to the protrusion 134 that protrudes from thestorage line 131 and the third drain electrode 175 c through the thirdcontact hole 185 c. As a result, the third drain electrode 175 c isconnected to the storage electrode line 131.

A data voltage is applied to the first subpixel electrode 191 h and thesecond subpixel electrode 191 l from the first drain electrode 175 h andsecond drain electrode 175 l, respectively. In addition, a portion ofthe data voltage applied to the second drain electrode 175 l is alsoapplied to the third source electrode 173 c, such that the voltageapplied to the second subpixel electrode 191 l may be smaller than thevoltage applied to the first subpixel electrode 191 h. Here, the datavoltage applied to the first subpixel electrode 191 h and the secondsubpixel electrode 191 l is positive. When the data voltage applied tothe first subpixel electrode 191 h and the second subpixel electrode 191l is negative, the voltage applied to the first subpixel electrode 191 hmay be smaller than the voltage applied to the second subpixel electrode191 l.

An area of the second subpixel electrode 191 l may be approximately(about) one to two times that of the first subpixel electrode 191 h.

In some embodiments, the first subpixel electrode 191 h and the secondsubpixel electrode 191 l are next to each other in a vertical direction,the overall shape thereof is quadrangular, and each subpixel electrodeincludes a cross-like stem having a horizontal stem portion 193 h (or193 l) and a vertical stem portion 192 h (or 192 l) intersecting(crossing) the respective horizontal stem portion. The pixel electrode191 includes a micro-branch portion 194 that extends from the respectivehorizontal stem portion 193 h (or 193 l) and the respective verticalstem portion 192 h (or 192 l).

The first subpixel area PX_h and the second subpixel area PX_l of thefourth color pixel area PX(W) are respectively divided into four domainsD1, D2, D3, and D4 by the horizontal stem portions 193 h and 193 l andthe vertical stem portions 192 h and 192 l.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the third color filter 230B may beformed on the same substrate as the pixel electrode 191 or on thesubstrate facing the pixel electrode 191. The third color filter 230B ispartially overlapped with the vertical stem portion 192 l of the secondsubpixel electrode 191 l in the second subpixel area PX_l of the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W). The vertical stem portion 192 l serves to dividethe second subpixel area PX_l into the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4, andis therefore positioned at the boundaries between the domains D1, D2,D3, and D4. Accordingly, the third color filter 230B is disposed atboundaries between the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4 (e.g., at a boundarybetween the third domain D3 and the fourth domain D4 of the secondsubpixel area PX_l of the fourth color pixel area PX(W)).

In the above-described embodiments, each of the pixel areas PX(R),PX(G), and PX(B) has a similar (or substantially similar) structure asthe fourth color pixel area PX(W).

Referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a first cross-section of the firstsubpixel area PX_h in which no third color filter 230B is formed and asecond cross-section of the second subpixel area PX_l in which the thirdcolor filter 230B is formed are illustrated. In some embodiments, a cellgap t1 of the first subpixel area PX_h in which no third color filter230B is formed is relatively larger than a cell gap t2 of the secondsubpixel area PX_l in which the third color filter 230B is formed. Assuch, it is possible to adjust a wavelength of light passing through thefourth color pixel area PX(W) by setting different cell gaps in onepixel area.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 21 toFIG. 23.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 21 to FIG. 23 is substantially the same as the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiment of the present invention illustratedin FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the duplicative description thereof will not beprovided. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21 to FIG. 23 is differentfrom the above-described embodiments in that two color filters aredisposed (or positioned) in the fourth pixel area, and hereinafter, willbe described in more detail.

FIG. 21 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a top plan schematicview illustrating a domain included in a fourth color pixel area of aliquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are respectivelydisposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B). Further, a colorpattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and thecolor pattern may include at least one of the first color filter 230R,the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B.

In some embodiments, two of the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, the third color filter 230B, and the light-blockingmember 220 may be disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Forexample, the second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230Bmay be disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). However, thecombination of the color filters disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) is not limited thereto. For example, the first color filter 230Rand the second color filter 230G may be disposed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), or the first color filter 230R and third color filter230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B are overlapped with each other. For example,the second color filter 230G may extend in a first direction, and thethird color filter 230B may extend in a second direction. The secondcolor filter 230G and the third color filter 230B may cross each other,and the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular toeach other. The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230Bare overlapped with each other at a portion at which they cross eachother.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B that are overlapped with each other mayserve as a spacer for maintaining a cell gap (referring to “CG” in FIG.2). In other words, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the secondcolor filter 230G and the third color filter 230B may be formed suchthat the thickness of the overlapped portion thereof corresponds to thecell gap. In some embodiments, the second color filter 230G and thethird color filter 230B that are formed such that the thickness of theoverlapped option thereof is smaller than the cell gap may serve as asub-spacer. In addition, the thickness of the overlapped portion of thesecond color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B may besubstantially the same as the thickness of one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B thatare respectively disposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), thesecond color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B).Here, the overlapped portion of the second color filter 230G and thethird color filter 230B may be used as an auxiliary pattern forperforming planarization.

However, the second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B inthe fourth color pixel area PX(W) may have a thickness that is differentfrom that of each of the second color filter 230G and third color filter230B that are respectively disposed in the second color pixel area PX(G)and the third color pixel area PX(B), in order to allow for adjustmentof the thickness of the overlapped portion of the second color filter230G and the third color filter 230B in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W). Here, a halftone mask or a slit mask may be employed.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B may be each formed to have a bar-like shapethat extends in one direction.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be formed ina rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides. In thefourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G may bedisposed at the center of the fourth color pixel area PX(W) between thetwo long sides thereof and may extend in a direction that is parallelwith the long sides, and the third color filter 230B may be disposed atthe center of the fourth color pixel area PX(W) between the short sidesthereof and may extend in a direction that is parallel with the shortsides. However, the shapes and/or the extending directions of the secondcolor filter 230G and third color filter 230B may be variously changedwithout being limited thereto.

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B that aredisposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be each independentlyconnected to a color filter of another pixel area. For example, thesecond color filter 230G that is disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) is connected to the second color filter 230G that is disposed inthe second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color filter 230B thatis disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is connected to thethird color filter 230B that is disposed in the third color pixel areaPX(B). However, embodiments of the present invention are not limitedthereto. For example, the second color filter 230G and the third colorfilter 230B that are disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) maynot be connected to color filters of the other pixel areas.

As shown in FIG. 23, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes thefirst domain D1, the second domain D2, the third domain D3, and thefourth domain D4, and the second color filter 230G and the third colorfilter 230B are disposed at boundary regions between the domains D1, D2,D3, and D4. For example, the second color filter 230G may be disposed ata boundary between the first domain D1 and the second domain D2, and ata boundary between the third domain D3 and the fourth domain D4. Thethird color filter 230B may be disposed at a boundary between the firstdomain D1 and the fourth domain D4, and a boundary between the seconddomain D2 and the third domain D3. The second color filter 230G isoverlapped with the vertical line serving as the reference for dividingthe fourth color pixel area PX(W) into the domains D1, D4, and D2, D3,and the third color filter 230B is overlapped with the horizontal lineserving as the reference for dividing the fourth color pixel area PX(W)into the domains D1, D2, and D3, D4. The second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B are overlapped with each other at a portionat which the vertical line and the horizontal line cross each other.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24 andFIG. 25.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 21 to FIG. 23, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 and the above-describedembodiments is a position of the color filter in the fourth pixel area,that hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 24 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in afourth color pixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a top planschematic view illustrating a domain included in a fourth color pixelarea of a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 24, a color pattern may be formed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), and the color pattern may include at least one of thefirst color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B.

For example, the second color filter 230G and the third color filter230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). However,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In someembodiments, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the first colorfilter 230R and the second color filter 230G may be disposed, or thefirst color filter 230R and the third color filter 230B may be disposed.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B are overlapped with each other. The secondcolor filter 230G and the third color filter 230B may cross each other,and may be overlapped with each other at a portion at which they crosseach other.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may have a rectangular shape with twoshort sides and two long sides. The second color filter 230G and thethird color filter 230B each form a predetermined (or set) angle withrespect to at least one side of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Anangle between the second color filter 230G and at least one of the shortsides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be substantially the sameas an angle between the third color filter 230B and at least one of theshort sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes a first domain D1, a seconddomain D2, a third domain D3, and a fourth domain D4. In someembodiments, the second color filter 230G is mainly disposed in thesecond domain D2 and the fourth domain D4, and the third color filter230B is mainly disposed at the first domain D1 and the third domain D3.

As shown in FIG. 25, the pixel electrode 191 includes a horizontal stemportion 193, a vertical stem portion 192, and a micro-branch portion194.

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B each extendparallel to and are overlapped with the micro-branch portion 194. Forexample, the second color filter 230G extends in the direction parallelto and is overlapped with the micro-branch portion 194 that is disposedat the second domain D2 and the fourth domain D4. The third color filter230B extends in the direction parallel to and is overlapped with themicro-branch portion 194 that is disposed at the first domain D1 and thethird domain D3.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 26 toFIG. 28.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 is substantially thesame as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 21 to FIG. 23, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 and the above-describedembodiment is the color filters disposed in the fourth pixel area, thathereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 26 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a fourth color pixelof a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention, FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional schematic view of theliquid crystal display according to the embodiments of the presentinvention taken along the line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26, and FIG. 28 is atop plan schematic view illustrating a domain included in a fourth colorpixel area of a liquid crystal display according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are respectivelydisposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B). Further, a colorpattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and thecolor pattern may include at least one of the first color filter 230R,the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Forexample, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, andthe third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W).

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B may beoverlapped with each other in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Thesecond color filter 230G may be formed to extend in a first direction,and the third color filter 230B may be formed in a second direction. Thesecond color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B may cross eachother and may be perpendicular to each other. The first color filter230R may be disposed at a portion at which the second color filter 230Gand the third color filter 230B cross each other. As a result, the firstcolor filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third colorfilter 230B may be overlapped with each other at the portion at whichthe second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B cross eachother.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B that areoverlapped with each other may serve as a spacer for maintaining a cellgap (referring to “CG” in FIG. 2). In other words, in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), the first color filter 230R, the second color filter230G, and the third color filter 230B may be formed such that thethickness of the overlapped portion thereof corresponds to the cell gap.When the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G and thethird color filter 230B are formed such that the thickness of theoverlapped option thereof is smaller than the cell gap, the colorfilters may serve as sub-spacers. In addition, the thickness of theoverlapped portion of the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may be substantially thesame as the thickness of one of the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B that are respectivelydisposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B). Here, the overlappedportion of the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and third color filter 230B may be used as an auxiliary pattern forperforming planarization.

However, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) mayeach be formed to have a thickness that is different from that of eachof the second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B that arerespectively disposed in the second color pixel area PX(G) and the thirdcolor pixel area PX(B), in order to allow for adjustment of thethickness of the overlapped portion of the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W). Here, a halftone mask or a slit mask may beemployed.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B may each have a bar-like shape extending in(along) one direction, and the first color filter 230R may have acircular shape.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be formed ina rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides. In thefourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G may bedisposed (or positioned) in the center between the two long sides of thefourth color pixel area PX(W), in a direction that is parallel with thelong sides, the third color filter 230B may be disposed in the centerbetween the short sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W), in adirection that is parallel with the short sides, and the first colorfilter 230R may be disposed in the center of the fourth color pixel areaPX(W). However, the shapes and the extending directions of the firstcolor filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third colorfilter 230B are not limited thereto.

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B that aredisposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be each independentlyconnected to a color filter of another pixel area. For example, thesecond color filter 230G that is disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) may be connected to the second color filter 230G that is disposedin the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color filter 230Bthat is disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be connectedto the third color filter 230B that is disposed in the third color pixelarea PX(B). However, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited thereto. In some embodiments, the second color filter 230G andthe third color filter 230B that are disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may not be connected to color filters of the other pixelareas.

As shown in FIG. 28, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes thefirst domain D1, the second domain D2, the third domain D3, and thefourth domain D4, and the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are disposed at boundaryregions between the domains D1, D2, D3, and D4. For example, the secondcolor filter 230G may be disposed at a boundary between the first domainD1 and the second domain D2, and at a boundary between the third domainD3 and the fourth domain D4. The third color filter 230B may be disposedat a boundary between the first domain D1 and the fourth domain D4, anda boundary between the second domain D2 and the third domain D3. Thesecond color filter 230G is overlapped with the vertical line serving asthe reference for dividing the fourth color pixel area PX(W) into thedomains D1, D4, and D2, D3, and the third color filter 230B isoverlapped with the horizontal line serving as the reference fordividing the fourth color pixel area PX(W) into the domains D1, D2, andD3, D4. The first color filter 230R may be disposed at a portion at inwhich the horizontal line and the vertical line are overlapped with eachother. In some embodiments, the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are overlapped witheach other at a portion at which the vertical line and the horizontalline cross each other.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 29.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 29 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the duplicative descriptionthereof will not be provided. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29 isdifferent from the above-described embodiments in that the color filtersthat are formed in the fourth pixel area are not overlapped with eachother, and hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 29 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Asshown in FIG. 29, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter230G, and the third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W). However, embodiments of the present inventionare not limited thereto. For example, one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, the third color filter 230B, and thelight-blocking member 220 may be disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), or a combination of two thereof may be disposed therein.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be formed ina rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides. In thefourth color pixel area PX(W), the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are disposed next toeach other such that the boundaries between the color filters areparallel to the short sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Insome embodiments, the second color filter 230G is disposed between thefirst color filter 230R and the third color filter 230B, but embodimentsof the present invention are not limited thereto. The disposing sequenceof the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B may be changed in variousways.

In some embodiments, the fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes afilter-free region in which none of the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are disposed.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, the third color filter 230B, and thefilter-free region in which no color filter is disposed may be the samesize or different sizes. For example, in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), a blue filter may be formed at a relatively higher size ratiothan that of the rest of the color filters, to prevent or reduce ayellowish phenomenon (or yellowish appearance).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 30.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 30 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 29, the duplicative description thereofwill not be provided. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30 is differentfrom the above-described embodiment in that only two color filters aredisposed in the fourth pixel area, and hereinafter, will be described inmore detail.

FIG. 30 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

A color pattern may be formed at (or in) the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern may include at least one of the first colorfilter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter230B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, only the second color filter230G and the third color filter 230B are disposed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). However, the combination of the color filters that areformed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may vary. For example, thefirst color filter 230R and the second color filter 230G may be disposedtherein, or the first color filter 230R and the third color filter 230Bmay be disposed therein.

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the second color filter 230G, thethird color filter 230B, and the filter-free region at which no colorfilter is disposed may be the same size or different sizes.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 31 toFIG. 33.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 31 to FIG. 33 is substantially thesame as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 31 to FIG. 33 is different from the above-described embodiments inthe position and shape of the color filters that are formed in thefourth pixel area, and hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 31 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31, and FIG. 33 is a cross-sectionalschematic view of the liquid crystal display according to theembodiments of the present invention taken along the line XXXII-XXXII ofFIG. 31.

As shown in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are respectivelydisposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed at (or in) the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern may include at least one of the first colorfilter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter230B. For example, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter230G, and the third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W). Further, the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may be overlappedwith each other.

In some embodiments, the first color filter 230R and the third colorfilter 230B are each formed to have a bent L-shape. The first colorfilter 230R and the third color filter 230B are symmetrically formed(e.g., as mirror images of each other), and are overlapped with eachother on a symmetric axis. When the fourth color pixel area PX(W) isformed in a rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides,the symmetric axis is at the center of the fourth color pixel area PX(W)and extends in a direction that is parallel with the short sides of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). The first color filter 230R is formed tohave an L-shape that is bent along to an lower side and a right side ofthe fourth color pixel area PX(W), and the third color filter 230B isformed to have an L-shape that is bent along to an upper side and theright side of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). The first color filter230R and the third color filter 230B may be overlapped with each otherin a central region of the right side of the fourth color pixel areaPX(W).

The second color filter 230G may be disposed at the symmetric axis.Specifically, the second color filter 230G may be disposed at the centerbetween the upper side and the lower side of the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and may be overlapped with the first color filter 230R and thethird color filter 230B at the central portion of the right side of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). The first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may be formed suchthat the thickness of the overlapped portion thereof is substantiallythe same as a cell gap (referring to “CG” in FIG. 2), thus serving as aspacer. When the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and the third color filter 230B are formed such that the thickness ofthe overlapped option thereof is smaller than the cell gap, the colorfilters may serve as sub-spacers. In addition, the thickness of theoverlapped portion of the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may be substantially the same as that of one of the firstcolor filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third colorfilter 230B that are respectively disposed in the first color pixel areaPX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixel areaPX(B). Here, the overlapped portion of the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may be used asan auxiliary pattern for performing planarization.

The formation of the color filters facing various directions may posesome difficulties. For example, the color filters may be formed toextend in a first direction (e.g., the horizontal direction) and asecond direction (e.g., the vertical direction). Further, forconvenience of the process, one color filter may be formed to beconnected in one pixel. In some embodiments, the color filters areformed to have a bent L-shape such that they are overlapped with eachother at a portion at which they cross each other.

As shown in FIG. 33, in the first color pixel area PX(R), an uppersurface of the first color filter 230R includes convex portions CV andrecess portions CC. When the upper surface of the first color filter230R is flat, a path of light passing through the liquid crystal displaywhich is frontally viewed (or viewed from the front) may be differentfrom a path of light passing through the liquid crystal display which islaterally viewed (or viewed from the side). However, as described inembodiments of the present invention, the frontally viewed light pathand the laterally viewed light path of the liquid crystal display can beadjusted to be the same by forming the upper surface of the first colorfilter 230R to have a shape including the convex portions CV and therecess portions CC, thereby improving the side visibility (or visibilityof the liquid crystal display from a side angle).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 33, the convex portions CV and therecess portions CC may alternate along the long sides of the first colorpixel area PX(R). However, the convex portions CV and the recessportions CC may also be arranged to alternate along the short sides ofthe first color pixel area PX(R). In some embodiments, the convexportions CV and the recess portions CC may be arranged in a matrix formalong the long sides and the short sides.

In FIG. 33, a cross-section of the first color pixel area PX(R) isillustrated. However, it should be understood that the upper surfaces ofeach of the second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B mayhave similar convex portions CV and recess portions CC.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 34 andFIG. 35.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 and the above-describedembodiments, is the position of the color filters that are formed in thefourth pixel area, that hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 34 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the exemplary embodiment of the present inventiontaken along the line XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 34.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Forexample, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, andthe third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and the third color filter 230B may be separated from each other by apredetermined (or set) distance, without overlapping with each other.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be formed in a rectangular shapehaving two short sides and two long sides. The first color filter 230R,the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may eachextend in a direction that is parallel with the short sides of thefourth color pixel area PX(W).

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B may have the same width, and distances between theadjacent color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B may be constant. However,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, andthe third color filter 230B may have different widths, and distancesbetween the adjacent color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B may bedifferent. An area ratio of each of the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) can be controlled by adjusting the respectivewidths of the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, andthe third color filter 230B. For example, a yellowish phenomenon (or ayellowish appearance) at the white pixel can be prevented orsubstantially reduced by increasing the widths of the green filterand/or the blue filter.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 36.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 36 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 36 and the above-described embodiments isthe position of the color filters that are formed in the fourth pixelarea, that hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 36 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Forexample, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, andthe third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G,and the third color filter 230B may be separated from each other by apredetermined (or set) distance, without overlapping with each other.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be formed in a rectangular shapehaving two short sides and two long sides. The first color filter 230R,the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may eachextend in a direction that is parallel with the long sides of the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W).

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B may have the same width, and distances between theadjacent color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B may be constant. However,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, andthe third color filter 230B may have different widths, and distancesbetween the adjacent color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B may bedifferent.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 34, in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B extend in parallel withthe short sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and according tothe embodiment of FIG. 36, the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B extendin parallel with the long sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Asshown in FIG. 34, when the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B are formedin parallel with the short sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W),the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B can be relatively wide ascompared with the respective color filters of FIG. 36, and processstability can be improved.

As illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 36, one first color filter 230R, onesecond color filter 230G, and one third color filter 230B are disposedin one fourth color pixel area PX(W), but embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of colorfilters 230R, 230G, and 230B may be disposed in one fourth color pixelarea PX(W). As a result, the area ratio of the color filters 230R, 230G,and 230B can be controlled by adjusting the number of color filters230R, 230G, and 230B, while identically setting the widths thereof(maintaining the widths of the color filters constant). Alternatively,both the width and the number of each of the color filters 230R, 230G,and 230B may be varied.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 37.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 37 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 37 is different from the above-described embodiments in that onlytwo color filters are disposed in the fourth pixel area, andhereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 37 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B.

In some embodiments, only the second color filter 230G and the thirdcolor filter 230B are disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W).Here, the combination of the color filters that are formed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) may be varied. For example, the first colorfilter 230R and the second color filter 230G may be disposed therein, orthe first color filter 230R and the third color filter 230B may bedisposed therein.

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B areseparated from each other by a predetermined (or set) distance withoutoverlapping with each other.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be formed in a rectangular shapehaving two short sides and two long sides. The second color filter 230Gand the third color filter 230B may be each formed to extend in adirection that is parallel with the short sides of the fourth colorpixel area PX(W).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 38.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 38 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 36, the duplicative description thereofwill not be provided. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 38 is differentfrom the above-described embodiment in that two color filters aredisposed in the fourth pixel area, and hereinafter, will be described inmore detail.

FIG. 38 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B.

In some embodiments, only the second color filter 230G and the thirdcolor filter 230B are disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W).Here, the combination of the color filters that are formed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) may be varied. For example, the first colorfilter 230R and the second color filter 230G may be disposed therein, orthe first color filter 230R and the third color filter 230B may bedisposed therein.

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B areseparated from each other by a predetermined (or set) distance, withoutoverlapping with each other.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be formed in a rectangular shapehaving two short sides and two long sides. The second color filter 230Gand the third color filter 230B are each formed in a direction that isparallel with the long sides of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 39 toFIG. 41.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41 is substantially thesame as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The difference between theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41 and the above-describedembodiments is the position of the color filters that are formed in thefourth pixel area, that hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 39 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XL-XL of FIG. 39, and FIG. 41 is a plan schematic viewillustrating one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 41 illustrates thefourth color pixel area.

As shown in FIG. 39 and FIG. 40, the first color filter 230R, the secondcolor filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B are respectivelydisposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B). A color pattern may beformed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and the color pattern mayinclude at least one of the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) are formed tohave a shape obtained by connecting two parallelograms to be symmetricalto each other. The two parallelograms may be positioned next to eachother in (along) a vertical direction. Each of the pixel areas PX(R),PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may include two domains, and the two domains maycorrespond to the two parallelograms.

The third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). The third color filter 230B is formed to have a shapeobtained by connecting two parallelograms to be symmetrical to eachother and is aligned with the shape of the fourth color pixel areaPX(W). The third color filter 230B may be disposed in a boundary regionbetween the two parallelograms of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Inother words, the third color filter 230B may be disposed in a boundaryregion between the two domains of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W) of the present embodiment, none ofthe color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B are disposed in a region otherthan the region in which the third color filter 230B is formed. However,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, the white color filter may be disposed in a region other thanthe region in which the third color filter 230B is disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W). In this case, the white color filter maybe formed of a transparent photoresist that can permit all thewavelength bands of the visual ray region (or the visible spectrum) topass therethrough.

When the types and area ratios of the color patterns disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) are varied, it is possible to adjust theposition of color coordinates of light passing through the fourth colorpixel area PX(W).

Although the third color filter 230B formed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) has been described, embodiments of the present invention arenot limited thereto. For example, two or three of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B maybe formed therein. Further, the positions of the color filters 230R,230G, and 230B may be varied.

As shown in FIG. 41, a gate line 122 and a gate electrode 124 protrudingfrom the gate line 122 are formed on a substrate. A storage electrodeline 131 and a storage electrode 133 protruding from the storageelectrode line 131 are formed in a direction that is parallel with thegate line 122. The gate line 122, the storage electrode line 131, and/orthe like may be formed on the same substrate as the one including thecolor filters 230R, 230G, and 230B, or on a substrate opposite to theone including the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B.

In some embodiments, the gate line 122 mainly extends in (along) ahorizontal direction to transmit a gate signal. The storage electrodeline 131 also mainly extends in (along) the horizontal direction totransfer a predetermined (or set) voltage, for example, a commonvoltage.

A gate insulating layer is formed on the gate line 122, the gateelectrode 124, the storage electrode line 131, and the storage electrode133. The gate insulating layer may be formed of an inorganic insulatingmaterial, such as a silicon nitride (SiNx) and/or a silicon oxide(SiOx).

A semiconductor 154 is formed on the gate insulating layer. Thesemiconductor 154 is overlapped with the gate electrode 124.

A data line 171 crossing the gate line 122, a source electrode 173protruding from the data line 171 toward an upper side of the gateelectrode 124, and a drain electrode 175 separated from the sourceelectrode 173 are formed on the semiconductor 154.

The gate electrode 124, the source electrode 173, and the drainelectrode 175 constitute one thin film transistor Q, together with thesemiconductor 154, and a channel of the thin film transistor Q is formedin a region of the semiconductor disposed between the source electrode173 and the drain electrode 175.

In some embodiments, the data line 171 is formed to be substantiallyperpendicular to the gate line 122. The data line 171 is bent once,according to the shape of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Forexample, the data line 171 is bent at a region in which the twoparallelograms constituting the shape of the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) contact each other.

A first passivation layer is formed on the data line 171, the sourceelectrode 173, and the drain electrode 175. A first contact hole 181 isformed in the first passivation layer to expose the storage electrode133.

A common electrode 270 is formed on the first passivation layer and isconnected to the storage electrode 133 through the first contact hole181. The common electrode 270 may be formed over the entire area of thefourth color pixel area PX(W), in a planar shape, and the commonelectrodes 270 may also be formed in the adjacent pixel areas PX(R),PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W). In some embodiments, the common electrode 270is formed of a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO)and/or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, a second passivation layer is formed on the commonelectrode 270. A second contact hole 183 is formed in the firstpassivation layer and the second passivation layer to expose the drainelectrode 175.

The pixel electrode 191 is formed on the second passivation layer and isconnected to the drain electrode 175 of the thin film transistor throughthe second contact hole 183. The pixel electrode 191 is formed tocorrespond to the shape of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). In otherwords, the pixel electrode 191 is formed to have a shape obtained byconnecting two parallelograms to be symmetrical to each other. In someembodiments, the pixel electrode 191 is formed of a transparent metaloxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and/or indium zinc oxide (IZO), butis not limited thereto. The pixel electrode 191 includes a plurality ofslits 198.

The fourth color pixel area PX(W) includes two domains, and the twoparallelograms constituting the pixel electrode 191 are disposed indifferent domains. In addition, the slits 198 of the pixel electrodes191 disposed in different domains extend in different directions. Forexample, an extending direction of the slits 198 disposed at one of thetwo domains is different from that of the slits 198 disposed at theother domain. In some embodiments, the extending direction of the slits198 in each domain is parallel with long sides of the respective domain.

The common electrode 270 and the pixel electrode 191 are formed asdifferent layers, with the second passivation layer interposed betweenthe layers. Here, the common electrode 270 is formed over the entirearea of the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and the slits 198 are formedin the pixel electrode 191. Liquid crystal molecules included in theliquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal display are moved by ahorizontal electric field that is generated between the common electrode270 and the pixel electrode 191.

Hitherto, a planar common electrode 270 and the slits 198 formed in thepixel electrode 191 have been described, but embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. For example, the slits 198 may beformed in the common electrode 270 as well as in the pixel electrode191. In this case, the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270may be formed as the same layer by using (or utilizing) the samematerial, and may be alternated (e.g., alternately disposed inparallel).

The third color filter 230B may be disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). The third color filter 230B may have a shape including twoparallelograms (e.g., first parallelograms) having sides that areparallel with the two parallelograms constituting the shape of the pixelelectrode 191 (e.g., second parallelograms). However, the first and thesecond parallelograms may have different sizes. The third color filter230B may be disposed at a region where the two second parallelogramsconstituting the shape of the pixel electrode 191 are connected to eachother.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 42.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 42 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41, the duplicative descriptionthereof will not be provided. The difference between the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 42 and the above-described embodiments is theposition of the color filters that are formed in the fourth pixel area,that hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 42 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 42, the second color filter 230Gand the third color filter 230B are disposed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). However, the combination of the color filters that areformed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be varied. For example,the first color filter 230R and the second color filter 230G may beformed, or the first color filter 230R and third color filter 230B maybe formed. Alternatively, all of the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230Bmay be disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), or thelight-blocking member 220 along with the color filters 230R, 230G, and230B may be disposed therein.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) are formed tohave a shape obtained by connecting two parallelograms to be symmetricalto each other. The two parallelograms may be vertically disposed (oraligned). In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), each of the second colorfilter 230G and the third color filter 230B is formed to have a shape ofa parallelogram and to be substantially aligned with the shape of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). For example, the second color filter 230Gmay be disposed at an upper left side of the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the third color filter 230B may be disposed at a lower leftside of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Here, the second color filter230G and the third color filter 230B are not disposed at an upper rightside or a lower right side of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.For example, a white color filter may be disposed at the upper rightside and/or the lower right side of the fourth color pixel area PX(W).In this case, the white color filter may be formed of a transparentphotoresist that can permit all the wavelength bands of the visual rayregion to pass therethrough.

Positions and area ratios of the second color filter 230G and the thirdcolor filter 230B may be variously changed, and thus the position ofcolor coordinates of light passing through the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) may be adjusted.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 43 andFIG. 44.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 43 and FIG. 44 is different from the above-described embodiments inthat a light-blocking member is formed in the fourth pixel area insteadof the color filters, and hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 43 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line XLIV-XLIV of FIG. 43.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B).

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, the light-blockingmember 220 is formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). Asillustrated in FIG. 43, the light-blocking member 220 is formed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W), but the color filters 230R, 230G, and230B are not formed therein. However, embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. For example, any of the color filters230R, 230G, and 230B, as well as the light-blocking member 220, may beformed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

In the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the light-blocking member 220 maybe formed to have a bar-like shape that extends in one direction.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be formed ina rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides. Forexample, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the light-blocking member220 is disposed in the center between the two short sides of the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) and extends in a direction that is parallel withthe short sides. However, the shape of the light-blocking member 220 maybe changed in various ways without being limited thereto.

The light-blocking member 220 disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) may be used as an auxiliary pattern for performing theplanarization with other pixel areas. In a comparative liquid crystaldisplay, the light-blocking member 220 is formed to have a thicknessthat is smaller than that of each of the color filters 230R, 230G, and230B. However, in embodiments of the present invention, thelight-blocking member 220 is formed to have a thickness that is similarto that of each of the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B, thus allowingto perform the planarization with other pixel areas. In someembodiments, the thickness of the light-blocking member 220 disposed inthe fourth color pixel area PX(W) may be thicker than that of thelight-blocking member 220 positioned at or near the boundaries betweenthe pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B). In this case, a halftone maskor a slit mask may be employed.

Next, reduction of transmittance facilitated by the color filter and/orthe light-blocking member formed in the white pixel area included in theliquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIG. 45.

FIG. 45 is a graph illustrating a reduction ratio of transmittanceaccording to an area ratio of a color filter or a light-blocking memberthat is formed in a white pixel.

As illustrated in FIG. 45, the transmittance is gradually reduced as anarea of a region at which the color filter or the light-blocking memberis formed in the white pixel increases (or becomes wider). This is atleast partially because some of light supplied from a light sourcepasses through the portion of the white pixel at which the color filteror the light-blocking member is formed, and thus the transmittancethereof is reduced, as compared with the case when neither the colorfilter nor the light-blocking member is formed in the white pixel.

When the light-blocking member is included in the white pixel, allwavelength bands of light supplied from the light source are blocked,thereby accomplishing a relatively large reduction of the transmittance.

When the color filter is included in the white pixel, a reduction of thetransmittance varies according to the red filter, the green filter, andthe blue filter.

Table 1 illustrates an area ratio of each of the red, green, and bluecolor filters and the light-blocking member in the white pixel, when thetransmittance reduction ratio is 10%.

TABLE 1 Light-blocking Pattern type Red filter Green filter Blue filtermember Area ratio (%) 22 49.3 20.5 18.6

As shown in Table 1, an about 10% reduction in transmittance correspondsto about 20% area ratio of each of the red filter, the blue filter, andthe light-blocking member. In the case of the green filter, an about 10%reduction in transmittance corresponds to about 50% area ratio of thegreen filter in the white pixel. Accordingly, when the green filter isformed, the transmittance reduction is relatively lower.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the green filter may beformed at about 50% or less with respect to the whole area of the whitepixel, and the red filter, the blue filter, and the light-blockingmember may each be formed at about 20% or less with respect to the wholearea of the white pixel.

The change of color coordinates facilitated by the color filter and/orthe light-blocking member of a liquid crystal display according to oneor more embodiments of the present invention will be described withrespect to Table 2 and FIG. 46. The color coordinates used in the liquidcrystal display of the present embodiments is the CIE 1931 colorcoordinates. The CIE 1931 color coordinates were determined by theCommission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) in 1931, employing x-ycoordinates.

Table 2 shows color coordinates according to an area ratio of the colorfilter or the light-blocking member that is formed in the white pixel,and FIG. 46 is a graph illustrating color coordinates according to anarea ratio of a color filter or a light-blocking member that is formedin the white pixel.

TABLE 2 Area ratio (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Red filter 0.2760.278 0.281 0.284 0.287 0.291 0.295 0.299 0.305 0.311 0.319(x-coordinate) Red filter 0.270 0.271 0.271 0.272 0.273 0.274 0.2750.277 0.278 0.280 0.282 (y-coordinate) Green filter 0.276 0.276 0.2760.277 0.277 0.277 0.277 0.278 0.278 0.278 0.279 (x-coordinate) Greenfilter 0.270 0.276 0.281 0.288 0.295 0.303 0.311 0.321 0.332 0.344 0.357(y-coordinate) Blue filter 0.276 0.273 0.269 0.265 0.261 0.257 0.2520.247 0.242 0.236 0.230 (x-coordinate) Blue filter 0.270 0.265 0.2590.253 0.247 0.240 0.233 0.225 0.217 0.208 0.198 (y-coordinate)Light-blocking 0.276 0.276 0.276 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.274 0.274 0.2730.272 0.271 member (x-coordinate) Light-blocking 0.270 0.270 0.270 0.2710.271 0.271 0.272 0.272 0.273 0.274 0.275 member (y-coordinate)

The basic color coordinates of a light supplied from a light source andpassing through the white pixel in which neither the color filter northe light-blocking member are formed, are represented as (0.276, 0.270).Based on the basic color coordinates (0.276, 0.270), Table 2 shows colorcoordinates when the red filter, the green filter, the blue filter, orthe light-blocking member are included into the white pixel at an arearatio in a range of 10% to 100%.

As illustrated in FIG. 46, when the red filter is disposed in the whitepixel, the position of color coordinates (denoted by “▪”) movesrightwardly. In other words, as the area ratio of the red filterincreases, a value of the x-coordinate also increases, with respect tothe basic color coordinates (0.276, 0.270). However, the y-coordinatevalue does not significantly change.

Similarly, when the green filter is disposed in the white pixel, theposition of color coordinates (denoted by “▴”) moves upwardly. In otherwords, as the area ratio of the green filter increases, a value of they-coordinate also increases, with respect to the basic color coordinates(0.276, 0.270). However, the x-coordinate value does not significantlychange.

Furthermore, when the blue filter is disposed in the white pixel, theposition of color coordinates (denoted by “♦”) moves leftwardly anddownwardly. In other words, as the area ratio of the blue filterincreases, values of the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate decrease,with respect to the basic color coordinates (0.276, 0.270).

Since the light-blocking member blocks all wavelength bands of visiblerays, the color coordinates (denoted by “●” in FIG. 46) are notsignificantly changed. Accordingly, the change of color coordinatesaccording to the light-blocking member is not significant.

Based on the results in Table 2 and FIG. 46, the light-blocking memberhas no significant effect on the change of color coordinates, and largerareas of the red filter, the green filter, and/or the blue filter leadto larger change of color coordinates. Further, the red filter, thegreen filter, and the blue filter each facilitate changes in the colorcoordinates that move in different directions on the graph, with respectto the basic color coordinates (0.276, 0.270).

Next, an area ratio of the color filter disposed in the white pixel areaof a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIG. 47.

FIG. 47 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of light that passesthrough white pixels and light of which separate beams first passthrough the red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel and are thencombined.

From the wavelength bands of light supplied from a light source, a redwavelength band of light, a green wavelength band of light, and a bluewavelength band of light respectively pass through the red pixel, thegreen pixel, and the blue pixel. These red wavelength, green wavelength,and blue wavelength bands of light are then combined into white light,which is indicated as color coordinates “▪” of (0.271, 0.275).

When no color filter is formed in the white pixel, most of the visibleray wavelength band of light among the light supplied from the lightsource pass through the white pixel. The light passing through the whitepixel may be represented as color coordinates “X” of (0.280, 0.266).

As a result, the color coordinates of the light passing through thewhite pixel (hereinafter “first light”) are different from those of thelight of which separate beams first pass through the red pixel, thegreen pixel, and the blue pixel and are then combined (hereinafter“second light”). Accordingly, a color shift may be generated (the colorshift is denoted on the graph by the color coordinates “▴” at (0.276,0.270)).

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in theliquid crystal display, at least one of the red filter, the greenfilter, and the blue filter is formed in the white pixel to prevent orreduce the possibility of the color shift being generated.

In order to move the color coordinates of the first light to be similarto those of the second light (e.g., in a direction in which the x-axisvalues are reduced and the y-axis values are increased, as shown by thearrows on the graph of FIG. 47), the green filter or the blue filter maybe formed in the white pixel.

Table 3 shows color coordinates (denoted by “⋄” in FIG. 47) of the whitepixel according to an area of the blue filter and the green filterdisposed in the white pixel.

TABLE 3 Blue filter area ratio (%) 13.7 16.9 16.9 12.2 12.2 Green filterarea ratio (%) 20.5 22.7 25.3 17.7 24.1 Blue filter, green filter 0.2710.269 0.269 0.273 0.273 (x-coordinate) Blue filter, green filter 0.2750.273 0.277 0.273 0.277 (y-coordinate)

As shown in Table 3, when desired color coordinates of the white pixelare (0.271, 0.275), the respective area rations of the blue filter andthe green filter in the white pixel are 13.7% and 20.5%. In other words,when the blue filter and the green filter are respectively formed in thewhite pixel at areas of 13.7% and 20.5%, the color coordinates of thefirst light passing through the white pixel become the same as those ofthe second light of which separate beams first pass through the redpixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel and are then combined.

The desired color coordinates of the white pixel may be set as (0.271,0.275) in a range of ±0.002. In this case, the desired range becomes arange R which surrounds color coordinates of (0.271, 0.275). When theblue filter and the green filter are respectively formed in the whitepixel at areas of 16.9% and 22.7%, the color coordinates of the firstlight passing through the white pixel become (0.269, 0.273). When theblue filter and the green filter are respectively formed in the whitepixel at areas of 16.9% and 25.3%, the color coordinates of the firstlight passing through the white pixel become (0.269, 0.277). When theblue filter and the green filter are respectively formed in the whitepixel at areas of 12.2% and 17.7%, the color coordinates of the firstlight passing through the white pixel become (0.273, 0.273). When theblue filter and the green filter are respectively formed in the whitepixel at areas of 12.2% and 24.1%, the color coordinates of the firstlight passing through the white pixel become (0.273, 0.277).

As a result, when the desired color coordinates of the white pixel areset as (0.271, 0.275) in a range of ±0.002, the blue filter in the whitepixel may be formed in an area range of about 12% to 17%, and the greenfilter may be formed in an area range of about 17% to 26%.

Further, when the desired color coordinates of the white pixel are morewidely set, the area ranges of the blue filter and the green filterformed in the white pixel may be respectively widened.

Hereinafter, a relationship between shape and flatness of the colorfilter or the light-blocking member disposed in the white pixel areawill be described with reference to FIG. 48 and FIG. 49.

FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 are graphs illustrating step sizes according to thethickness of an overcoat for each shape of color filters disposed in awhite pixel area. FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 illustrate experimental results ofa structure in which the blue filter is disposed in the white pixelarea. The blue filter may be disposed in the white pixel area to have ahorizontal bar (−) shape, a vertical bar (|) shape, or a cross (+)shape. When the blue filter is formed to have the horizontal bar (−)shape, the color filter is disposed in parallel with a short side of thewhite pixel area. When the blue filter is formed to have the verticalbar (|) shape, the color filter is disposed in parallel with a long sideof the white pixel area. The reference (Ref.) as the comparative examplein which no color filter is disposed in the white pixel area.

In FIG. 48, a width of the color filter disposed in the white pixel areais about 19 μm, and in FIG. 49, a width of the color filter disposed inthe white pixel area is about 29 μm.

As illustrated in FIG. 48, the step is reduced when the blue filterdisposed in the white pixel area has a horizontal bar (−) shape, avertical bar (|) shape, or a cross (+) shape, as compared with thereference example in which no blue filter is disposed in the white pixelarea. In other words, the step is reduced by disposing the blue color inthe white pixel area, thereby increasing the flatness of the pixel area.This effect further increases as the thickness of the overcoat isreduced. In contrast, when the thickness of the overcoat is increased,the above-described effect diminishes and the flatness differenceaccording to whether the blue filter is disposed or not is reduced.

The relationship between shape and flatness of the color filter or thelight-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area will bedescribed. In some embodiments, reduced step and increased flatness arebetter accomplished when the color filter is formed to have the verticalbar (|) shape than when the color filter is formed to have thehorizontal bar (−) shape. Since the short side of the white pixel areais arranged in the horizontal direction and the long side of the whitepixel area is arranged in the vertical direction, the color filterhaving the vertical bar shape is longer than the color filter having thehorizontal bar (−) shape. Accordingly, the color filter having thevertical bar shape occupies a larger white pixel area, thus betterreducing the step (the separation along the thickness direction) andincreasing the flatness. Similarly, the color filter having the cross(+) shape reduces the step (the separation along the thicknessdirection) and increases the flatness to a greater extent than the colorfilter having the vertical bar shape.

As illustrated in FIG. 49, the step (the separation along the thicknessdirection) is reduced when the blue filter disposed in the white pixelarea has a horizontal bar (−) shape, a vertical bar (|) shape, or across (+) shape, as compared with the reference example in which no bluefilter is disposed in the white pixel area. Accordingly, results in FIG.49 (with respect to the color filter in the white pixel area having awidth of about 29 μm) show the same tendency as those in FIG. 48 (withrespect to the color filter in the white pixel area having a width ofabout 19 μm).

Furthermore, in FIG. 49, reduced step (the separation along thethickness direction) and increased flatness are accomplished to agreater extent when the color filter is formed to have the vertical barshape as compared with the case when the color filter is formed to havethe horizontal bar shape. In addition, reduced step (a separation alongthe thickness direction) and increased flatness are accomplished to agreater extent when the color filter is formed to have the cross shapeas compared with the case when the color filter is formed to have thevertical bar shape. These results also show the same tendency as thoseof FIG. 48.

In some embodiments, the flatness is increased by disposing the bluefilter in the white pixel area. Although FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 illustratethe cases where the blue filter is disposed, the flatness can also beincreased when the red filter, the green filter, or the light-blockingmember is disposed in the white pixel area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49, the flatness is increased inthe following order of the shapes of the blue filter disposed in thewhite pixel area: horizontal bar (−) shape, vertical bar (|) shape, andcross (+) shape. In other words, the flatness is increased as the areaoccupied by the color filter or light-blocking member that is disposedin the white pixel area is increased.

Moreover, when the results of FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 are compared, reducedstep (separation along the thickness direction) and increased flatnessare accomplished to a lesser extent when the color filter disposed inthe white pixel area has the width of about 19 μm as compared with thecase of the width of about 29 μm. Accordingly, as the width of the colorfilter or the light-blocking member that is disposed in the white pixelarea is increased, the flatness is also increased.

Hereinafter, the relationship between shape and flatness of the colorfilter or the light-blocking member disposed in the white pixel areawill be described with reference to Table 4 and Table 5.

Table 4 illustrates the size of the step (separation along the thicknessdirection) according to the thickness of the overcoat for each width ofthe light-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area, and Table 5illustrates the size of the step (separation along the thicknessdirection) according to the thickness of the overcoat for each width ofthe color filter disposed in the white pixel area.

TABLE 4 Step (μm) Overcoat Refer- thickness ence Light-blocking member(Thickness) (μm) (Ref.) 5 μm 8 μm 11 μm 14 μm 17 μm 20 μm 1.5 1.92 1.811.75 1.70 1.67 1.63 1.57 2.0 1.39 1.32 1.24 1.18 1.20 1.15 1.12 2.5 0.830.84 0.77 0.73 0.72 0.70 0.73 2.9 0.67 0.57 0.55 0.57 0.56 0.49 0.50 3.30.48 0.47 0.47 0.42 0.41 0.42 0.42 3.4 0.44 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.33 0.360.33 3.7 0.36 0.36 0.30 0.31 0.30 0.29 0.28 4.1 0.31 0.30 0.26 0.28 0.290.26 0.26 4.7 0.32 0.28 0.27 0.26 0.24 0.29 0.24

As illustrated by the results in Table 4, the step (separation along thethickness direction) is reduced as the width of the light-blockingmember disposed in the white pixel area is increased. When the width ofthe light-blocking member is constant, the step is reduced as thethickness of the overcoat is increased.

When the thickness of the overcoat exceeds a predetermined (or set)level, reduction in the size of the step (separation along the thicknessdirection) significantly decreases and the step (separation along thethickness direction) remains substantially uniform. For example, whenthe width of the light-blocking member is about 5 μm, and the thicknessof the overcoat is equal to or greater than about 4.1 μm, the range bywhich the step (separation along the thickness direction) can be reducedis significantly decreased. Similarly, when the width of thelight-blocking member is about 8 μm and about 11 μm, and the thicknessof the overcoat is equal to or greater than about 3.7 μm, the range bywhich the step can be reduced is significantly decreased.

In addition, when the width of the light-blocking member is about 14 μm,about 17 μm, and about 20 μm, and the thickness of the overcoat is equalto or greater than about 3.4 μm, the range by which the step (separationalong the thickness direction) can be reduced is significantlydecreased. Accordingly, as the width of the light-blocking member isincreased, the predetermined (or set) level of the thickness of theovercoat at which the reduction in the size of the step (separationalong the thickness direction) significantly decreases is reduced.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, as the width of thelight-blocking member is increased, the flatness is also increased,thereby accomplishing the thin and flat formation of the overcoat.

TABLE 5 Step (μm) Overcoat Reference Blue filter Blue filter thickness(μm) (Ref.) Width-19 μm Width-29 μm 1.5 1.92 — — 2.0 1.39 0.79 0.69 2.50.83 0.53 0.45 2.9 0.67 0.42 0.34 3.3 0.48 0.34 0.30 3.4 0.44 0.30 0.263.7 0.36 0.30 0.25 4.1 0.31 0.28 0.26 4.7 0.32 0.27 0.26

As illustrated by the results in Table 5, the step (separation along thethickness direction) is reduced as the width of the blue filter disposedin the white pixel area is increased.

Furthermore, when the width of the blue filter is constant, the step(separation along the thickness direction) is reduced as the thicknessof the overcoat is increased.

Table 5 illustrates the case when the color filter is disposed in thewhite pixel area. However, similarly, when the red filter or the greenfilter is disposed in the white pixel area, as the thickness of theovercoat is increased, the step is reduced.

When the thickness of the overcoat exceeds a predetermined (or set)level, reduction in the size of the step (separation along the thicknessdirection) significantly decreases and the step remains substantiallyuniform. For example, when the width of the blue filter is about 19 μm,and the thickness of the overcoat is equal to or greater than about 3.3μm, the range by which the step is reduced is significantly decreased.When the width of the blue filter is about 29 μm, and the thickness ofthe overcoat is equal to or greater than about 2.9 μm, the range bywhich the step is reduced is significantly decreased. Accordingly, asthe width of the blue filter is increased, the predetermined (or set)level of the thickness of the overcoat at which the reduction in thesize of the step (separation along the thickness direction)significantly decreases is reduced. As a result, as the width of theblue filter is increased, the flatness is also increased, therebyaccomplishing the thin and flat formation of the overcoat.

As shown in Table 4 and Table 5, as the width of the color filter or thelight-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area is increased,reduced step (separation along the thickness direction) and increasedflatness can be accomplished. Further, increased flatness can beaccomplished by increasing the width of the color filter or thelight-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area even when thethickness of the overcoat is reduced.

Hereinafter, exemplary ranges of the thickness of the overcoat and thewidth of the light-blocking member that is disposed in the white pixelarea will be described with reference to Table 6.

Table 6 illustrates a reduction ratio of transmittance and stepaccording to the shape of the light-blocking member disposed in thewhite pixel area. The light-blocking member may be disposed in the whitepixel area to have a horizontal bar (−) shape, a vertical bar (|) shape,or a cross (+) shape. When the light-blocking member is formed to havethe vertical bar (|) shape, the light-blocking member is disposed inparallel with a long side of the white pixel area. When thelight-blocking member is formed to have the horizontal bar (−) shape,the light-blocking member is disposed in parallel with a short side ofthe white pixel area.

Table 6 shows experimental results of the case when the width of thelight-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area is about 8 μm andthe thickness of the overcoat is about 4.1 μm.

TABLE 6 Shape of light- Reduction ratio of Step (when thickness ofblocking member transmittance overcoat is about 4.1 μm) + −4.0% 0.26 μm| −2.6% 0.27 μm − −1.4% 0.32 μm

By referring to Table 6, reduced step (separation along the thicknessdirection) and increased flatness are accomplished to a greater extentwhen the light-blocking member in the white pixel area is formed to havethe vertical bar (|) shape as compared with the case when thelight-blocking member is formed to have the horizontal bar (−) shape.This is at least partially because the light-blocking member having thevertical bar (|) shape extends along the longer side of the white pixelarea, and thus, the area occupied by the light-blocking member havingthe vertical bar (|) shape is larger than the area occupied by thelight-blocking member having the horizontal bar (−) shape and extendingalong the shorter side of the white pixel area. Accordingly, thelight-blocking member having the vertical bar (|) shape can facilitateincreased flatness. However, the transmittance is reduced as the area ofthe light-blocking member is increased, because the wider light-blockingmember blocks out more light.

Similarly, the light-blocking member disposed in the white pixel areaand having the cross (+) shape reduces the step (separation along thethickness direction) and increases the flatness to a greater extent thanthe light-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area and havingthe vertical bar (|) shape. However, the transmittance is also reduced;

Since the light-blocking member is formed to have a wide width so as toblock all wavelengths of light, the reduction ratio of the transmittanceis also increased. In one or more embodiments of the present invention,the light-blocking member can be formed to have a narrow width in orderto minimize the transmittance reduction, (e.g., the width may be formedto be equal to or less than about 11 μm). However, when the width of thelight-blocking member is too narrow, it may be difficult to achieve thedesired flatness. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, the light-blocking member may be formed to have a width ofabout 5 μm.

Referring to the aforementioned Table 4 again, when the width of thelight-blocking member is in a range of about 5 μm to 11 μm, the overcoatmay be formed to have a thickness that is in a range of about 3.4 μm toabout 4.7 μm, such that the step is smaller than about 0.4 μm andplanarization can be performed. When the thickness of the overcoat issmaller than 3.4 μm, the step between the white pixel area and anotherpixel area that is adjacent thereto becomes larger, thereby making itdifficult to accomplish good planarization. When the thickness of theovercoat exceeds about 4.7 μm, the step (separation along the thicknessdirection) reduction is limited.

In some embodiments, the appropriate width of the light-blocking memberand the thickness of the overcoat can be selected in consideration oftransmittance reduction and planarization. For example, the width of thelight-blocking member disposed in the white pixel area and the thicknessof the overcoat may be selected to be about 8 μm and about 4.1 μm,respectively. Moreover, as illustrated in Table 4, the size of the stepwhen the thickness of the overcoat and the width of the light-blockingmember are respectively about 4.1 μm and about 8 μm is similar to thesize of the step when the thickness of the overcoat and the width of thelight-blocking member are respectively about 4.1 μm and about 20 μm.Accordingly, the width of the light-blocking member may be selected tobe about 8 μm, in order to minimize the transmittance reduction, whileaccomplishing a similar planarization level.

Hereinafter, exemplary ranges of the width of the color filter that isdisposed in the white pixel area and the thickness of the overcoat willbe described with reference to Table 7 and Table 8.

Table 7 illustrates a reduction ratio of transmittance and step sizeaccording to the shape of the blue filter disposed in the white pixelarea, and Table 8 illustrates a reduction ratio of transmittance andstep size according to the shape of the green filter disposed in thewhite pixel area.

In Table 7 and Table 8, the color filter may be disposed in the whitepixel area to have a horizontal bar (−) shape, a vertical bar (|) shape,or a cross (+) shape. When the color filter is formed to have thevertical bar (|) shape, the color filter is disposed in parallel with along side of the white pixel area. When the color filter is formed tohave the horizontal bar (−) shape, the color filter is disposed inparallel with a short side of the white pixel area.

Table 7 and Table 8 show experimental results of the case when the widthof the respective color filter disposed in the white pixel area is about29 μm and the thickness of the overcoat is about 3.4 μm

TABLE 7 Shape of blue Reduction ratio of Step (when thickness of filtertransmittance overcoat is about 3.4 μm) + −23.5% 0.26 μm | −16.5% 0.29μm −  −9.4% 0.30 μm

TABLE 8 Shape of Reduction ratio of Step (when thickness of green filtertransmittance overcoat is about 3.4 μm) + −9.8% 0.26 μm | −6.8% 0.29 μm− −3.9% 0.30 μm

Referring to Table 7 and Table 8, greater reduction in step (separationalong the thickness direction) size and increased flatness areaccomplished when the blue or green filter disposed in the white pixelarea is formed to have the vertical bar (|) shape than when the blue orgreen filter is formed to have the horizontal bar (−) shape. This is atleast partially because the long side of the white pixel area isarranged in the vertical direction, and thus, the area occupied by theblue or green filter in the white pixel area is larger when the blue orgreen filter is formed to have the vertical bar (|) shape than when theblue or green filter is formed to have the horizontal bar (−) shape thatextends along the short side of the white pixel area. Accordingly, whenthe blue or green filter is formed to have the vertical bar (|) shape,the flatness can be increased. However, the transmittance is reduced asthe area of the light-blocking member is widened, because the blue orgreen filter partially blocks the light.

Similarly, as compared with the case when the blue or green filterdisposed in the white pixel area has the vertical bar (|) shape, theblue or green filter disposed in the white pixel area and having thecross (+) shape facilitates the reduction in the step size and increasedflatness to a greater extent, but also reduces the transmittance.

Although an experimental example in which the red filter is disposed inthe white pixel area is not described herein, it is likely to show asimilar tendency.

Since the blue or green filter only blocks a specific wavelength band oflight, the reduction ratio of transmittance by the blue or green filteris relatively smaller, as compared with the light-blocking member.

However, it may be difficult to form the color filter to have a widththat is as narrow as that of the light-blocking member during themanufacturing process. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments of thepresent invention, the color filter may be formed in the white pixelarea to have a width that is in a range of about 19 μm to about 29 μm,in consideration of the efficiency of the manufacturing process and thesatisfactory reduction ratio of transmittance.

By referring to the aforementioned Table 5 again, when the width of thecolor filter is in a range of about 19 μm to 29 μm, the overcoat may beformed to have a thickness that is in a range of about 2.9 μm to about4.7 μm, to perform planarization such that the step is smaller thanabout 0.4 μm. When the thickness of the overcoat is smaller than 2.9 μm,the step between the white pixel area and another pixel area that isadjacent thereto is large, thereby making it difficult to accomplishgood planarization. When the thickness of the overcoat exceeds about 4.7μm, the step reduction is limited.

In some embodiments, the appropriate width of the light-blocking memberand the thickness of the overcoat can be selected in consideration oftransmittance reduction and planarization. For example, the width of thecolor filter disposed in the white pixel area may be selected to be 29μm, and the thickness of the overcoat may be selected to be in a rangeof about 3.3 μm to about 3.4 μm. Specifically, when the thickness of theovercoat exceeds about 3.4 μm, the step is not significantly reduced.Accordingly, to facilitate further reduction in step size, the thicknessof the overcoat may be selected to be in a range of about 3.3 μm toabout 3.4 μm, and the width of the color filter may be selected to be 29μm.

By comparing the results in Table 7 and Table 8, it can be seen that thereduction in transmittance is relatively smaller when the green filteris disposed in the white pixel area than when the blue filter isdisposed therein. This is at least partially because the green filtercan enable more light to pass therethrough than the blue filter.Accordingly, to achieve a lower transmittance reduction, the greenfilter may be disposed in the white pixel area. However, to ameliorate ayellowish phenomenon (e.g., to reduce the yellowish appearance of theimages displayed by the liquid crystal display), the blue filter may bedisposed in the white pixel area.

A liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 50 andFIG. 51.

FIG. 50 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line LI-LI of FIG. 50.

The liquid crystal display according to the present embodiments includesa first substrate 110 and a second substrate 210 facing the firstsubstrate 110, and a liquid crystal layer 3 between the first substrate110 and the second substrate 210.

The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210 may be eachindependently formed of glass, plastic, and/or the like. The liquidcrystal layer 3 may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 310,and may be formed as a positive type or a negative type.

A light source 500 may be disposed on a rear (or bottom) surface of thefirst substrate 110. The light source 500 may include a light emittingdiode (LED) to supply a light 510. An orientation of the liquid crystalmolecules 310 in the liquid crystal layer 3 is determined according toan electric filed generated between the first substrate 110 and thesecond substrate 210, and an amount of light that passes through theliquid crystal layer 3 is varied according to the orientation of theliquid crystal molecules 310. A plurality of color filters 230R, 230G,and 230B are disposed on the second substrate 210. When the lightpassing through the liquid crystal layer 3 passes through the colorfilters 230R, 230G, and 230B, some light passes therethrough and therest of the light is absorbed therein.

The liquid crystal display may include a plurality of pixel areas, forexample, a first color pixel area PX(R), a second color pixel areaPX(G), a third color pixel area PX(B), and a fourth color pixel areaPX(W). The first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel areaPX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B) respectively serve todisplay different colors, and their colors may be combined into a whitecolor. The fourth color pixel area PX(W) may display a white color. Forexample, the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel areaPX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) may respectively display red, green, blue, and white colors.

However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.For example, the first color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixelarea PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) may respectively display cyan, magenta, yellow, and whitecolors.

The color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B are disposed in their respectivepixel areas on the second substrate 210. Specifically, the first colorfilter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixel area PX(R), thesecond color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixel area PX(B). Thefirst color filter 230R may serve as a red filter for exclusivelypermitting wavelengths of red light to pass therethrough. The secondcolor filter 230G may serve as a green filter for exclusively permittingwavelengths of green light to pass therethrough. The first color filter230R may serve as a blue filter for exclusively permitting wavelengthsof blue light to pass therethrough.

A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), andthe color pattern may include at least one of the first color filter230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. Asshown in FIG. 50 and FIG. 51, the second color filter 230G and the thirdcolor filter 230B are disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W).However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.For example, the first color filter 230R may be disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) instead of the third color filter 230B and/or thesecond color filter 230G. The location of the filters may be varied. Insome embodiments, the green filter and/or the blue filter may be formedin the fourth color pixel area PX(W) to prevent or reduce a yellowishphenomenon thereof.

As described above, the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B are disposedon the second substrate 210, but embodiments of the present inventionare not limited thereto. For example, the color filters 230R, 230G, and230B may be disposed on the first substrate 110.

Each of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), and PX(W) may be formed ina rectangular shape having two short sides and two long sides. At thefirst color pixel area PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and thethird color pixel area PX(B), each of the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B may be formedsubstantially in a quadrangular shape, which may be similar to theshapes of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B).

The third color filter 230B may be formed to have a thickness that isthicker than those of the first color filter 230R and second colorfilter 230G. Since the third color filter 230B may serve as a bluefilter, and it is possible to prevent or reduce decolorization of ashort wavelength band by increasing the thickness of the blue filter.

In some embodiments, the second color filter 230G and the third colorfilter 230B are disposed over the entire area of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W), not at a portion thereof.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the second color filter 230Gdisposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is thinner than that ofthe second color filter 230G disposed in the second color pixel areaPX(G). The thickness of the third color filter 230B disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) is thinner than that of the third colorfilter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B).

The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) are stacked one on top of the other. Forexample, the second color filter 230G is between the second substrate210 and the third color filter 230B. However, embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third color filter230B may be disposed between the second substrate 210 and the secondcolor filter 230G.

As explained above, when no color filter is formed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), color coordinates of white light displayed from thefourth color pixel area PX(W) may be different from color coordinates ofa white color obtained by combining light beams emitted from therespective pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B). In other words, a colorshift may be generated in white light displayed by the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). However, in embodiments of the present invention, whenat least one of the first color filter 230R, the second color filter230G, and the third color filter 230B are formed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W), and the thickness ratio of the pixel areas PX(R),PX(G), and PX(B) is adjusted, it is possible to enable color coordinatesof the white light passing through the fourth color pixel area PX(W) toapproach color coordinates of the white light obtained from the separatebeams that first passed through the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B)and were then combined.

The light-blocking member 220 may be further disposed at or near theboundaries between the first color pixel area PX(R), the second colorpixel area PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). For example, the light-blocking member 220 may bedisposed at or near the boundaries between the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G),PX(B), and PX(W), to prevent or reduce color mixture, light leakage,and/or the like.

An overcoat 240 may be further disposed on the first color filter 230R,the second color filter 230G, the third color filter 230B, and thelight-blocking member 220. The overcoat 240 may serve to planarize a topsurface of the second substrate 210.

The second color filter 230G disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) and the second color filter 230G disposed in the second colorpixel area PX(G) can be formed by the same process. Further, the thirdcolor filter 230B disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) and thethird color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B) canbe formed by the same process. Hereinafter, a process for forming acolor filter on a second substrate will be described with reference toFIG. 52 to FIG. 54.

FIG. 52 to FIG. 54 are cross-sectional schematic views illustrating oneor more acts of a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 52, the light-blocking member 220 is disposed on thesecond substrate 210. For example, the light-blocking member 220 isdisposed at or near the boundaries between the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G),PX(B), and PX(W).

Then, a first color organic material is coated on the second substrate210 and is patterned to form the first color filter 230R. The firstcolor filter 230R is disposed in the first color pixel area PX(R).

As shown in FIG. 53, a second color organic material is coated on thesecond substrate 210 and is patterned to form the second color filter230G. In this case, the thickness of the second color filter 230G can bevaried (depending on the pixel area in which the second color filter230G is positioned) by using (or utilizing) a halftone mask or a slitmask. The second color filter 230G is disposed in the second color pixelarea PX(G) and the fourth color pixel area PX(W). In this case, thethickness of the second color filter 230G disposed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W) is thinner than that of the second color filter 230Gdisposed in the second color pixel area PX(G). For example, the secondcolor filters 230G disposed in the second color pixel area PX(G) and thefourth color pixel area PX(W) can be simultaneously formed to havedifferent thicknesses by using the halftone mask or the slit mask.

As shown in FIG. 54, a third color organic material is coated on thesecond substrate 210 and is patterned to form the third color filter230B. In this case, the thickness of the third color filter 230B can bevaried (depending on the pixel area in which the third color filter 230Bis positioned) by using a halftone mask or a slit mask

The third color filter 230B is disposed in each of the third color pixelarea PX(B) and the fourth color pixel area PX(W).

For example, the third color filters 230B disposed in the third colorpixel area PX(B) and the fourth color pixel area PX(W) can besimultaneously formed to have different thicknesses by using thehalftone mask or the slit mask.

Next, the overcoat 240 is formed on the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. The overcoat240 is formed to cover the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B to perform planarization.

As described above, the second color filter 230G and the third colorfilter 230B are stacked in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and theovercoat 240 can be formed thereon. However, embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. For example, a white filter may beadditionally formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). This will bedescribed further with reference to FIG. 55.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 55, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the secondcolor filter 230G and the third color filter 230B are stacked on thesecond substrate 210, and a white filter 230W is disposed on the thirdcolor filter 230B. The white filter 230W may be formed of a transparentphotoresist through which all wavelength bands of visible rays can pass,but is not limited thereto.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 56 andFIG. 57.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 56 and FIG. 57 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 50 and FIG. 51, theduplicative description thereof will not be provided. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 56 and FIG. 57 is different from the above-describedembodiments in that only one color filter is disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area, and hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 56 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line LVII-LVII of FIG. 56.

In FIG. 57, the illustration of the first substrate, the liquid crystallayer, the light source, and/or the like is omitted, but should beapparent from the illustration of the first substrate, the liquidcrystal layer, the light source, and/or the like provided in FIG. 50.For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 57, a surface of the secondsubstrate 210 on which the color filters 230R, 230G, and 230B arepositioned (i.e., the surface of the second substrate 210 facing thefirst substrate 110) is illustrated facing upward.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B). A color pattern is formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern is formed of the second color filter 230G.The second color filter 230G may be a green filter.

The second color filter 230G is disposed over the entire area of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). The thickness of the second color filter230G disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is thinner than thatof the second color filter 230G disposed in the second color pixel areaPX(G).

While in the above-described embodiments, two different color filtersare stacked in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 56 and FIG. 57, only one color filter is stacked inthe fourth color pixel area PX(W).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 58 andFIG. 59.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 58 and FIG. 59 is substantiallythe same as the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 56 and FIG. 57, theduplicative description thereof will not be provided. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 58 and FIG. 59 is different from the above-describedembodiments in that the kinds of the color filters are different, andwill be described in more detail.

FIG. 58 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,and FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the embodiments of the present invention takenalong the line LIX-LIX of FIG. 58.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B). A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and may include the third color filter 230B. The third colorfilter 230B may be a blue filter.

The third color filter 230B is disposed over the entire area of thefourth color pixel area PX(W). The thickness of the third color filter230B disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is thinner than thatof the third color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel areaPX(B).

Next, the transmittance according to a thickness ratio of a color filterdisposed in the white pixel area of a liquid crystal display accordingto one or more embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIG. 60.

FIG. 60 is a graph illustrating transmittance according to a thicknessratio of a color filter disposed in a white pixel area of a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

In the graph of FIG. 60, the horizontal axis indicates a thickness ratioof a color filter disposed in the white pixel area. For example, if theblue filter is disposed in the white pixel area, the horizontal axisindicates a ratio of the thickness of the blue filter disposed in thewhite pixel area to the thickness of the blue pixel disposed in the bluepixel area. Similarly, if the green filter is disposed in the whitepixel area, the horizontal axis indicates a ratio of the thickness ofthe green filter disposed in the white pixel area to the thickness ofthe green pixel disposed in the green pixel area.

In the graph of FIG. 60, the vertical axis indicates transmittance, andthe transmittance of the liquid crystal display exclusively includingred, blue, and green pixel areas is set as the reference and isillustrated at 100% transmittance.

When the color filter is disposed in the white pixel area, thetransmittance is reduced as the thickness of the color filter isincreased. This is at least partially because the amount of lightpassing through the white pixel area is reduced as the thickness of thecolor filter is increased.

When the green filter is disposed in the white pixel area, thetransmittance reduction is significantly small. In contrast, when theblue filter is disposed in the white pixel area, the transmittancereduction is increased, as compared with the case when the green filteris disposed in the white pixel area.

Next, the change in color coordinates according to a thickness ratio ofa color filter disposed in the white pixel area of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIG. 61.

FIG. 61 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

From the wavelength bands of light supplied from the light source, a redwavelength band of light passes through the red pixel area, a greenwavelength band of light passes through the green pixel area, and a bluewavelength band of light passes through the blue pixel area. These redwavelength, green wavelength, and blue wavelength bands of light arethen combined into white light. The color coordinates of the white lightobtained in this way are different from the color coordinates of a whitelight passing through the white pixel area in which no color filter isformed.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when theblue filter and/or the green filter is disposed in the white pixel area,it is possible to shift a position of color coordinates of the whitelight passing through the white pixel area at which no color filter isformed. Moreover, as the thickness of the color filter disposed in thewhite pixel area is increased, the position of the color coordinates isshifted further. When the blue filter is disposed in the white pixelarea, both the x-axis and y-axis position of the color coordinates arereduced. When the green filter is disposed in the white pixel area, thex-axis position of the color coordinates is not significantly changedand the y-axis position thereof is increased.

Accordingly, when the blue filter and the green filter are both disposedin the white pixel area, the position of the color coordinates isshifted according to a vector sum of the color coordinates shift of theblue filter and the color coordinates shift of the green filter.

As illustrated in FIG. 61, when the thickness ratios of the green filterand the blue filter disposed in the white pixel area are respectivelyabout 7% and about 3%, the color coordinates of the white light passingthrough the white pixel area are closest to the color coordinates of thewhite light obtained when separate beams first pass through the red,green, and blue pixel areas and are then combined. However, embodimentsof the present invention are not limited thereto, and thickness ratiosof the green filter and the blue filter may be varied.

Further, when the transmittance is considered, the thickness ratios ofthe green filter and the blue filter disposed in the white pixel areamay be reduced further.

In some embodiments, to further improve the transmittance and colorcoordinates, the difference between the thickness of the green filterdisposed in the white pixel area and the thickness of the green filterdisposed in the green pixel area may be in a range of about 0% to 20%,for example, in a range of 5% to 10%, inclusive.

Similarly, the difference between the thickness of the blue filterdisposed in the white pixel area and the thickness of the blue filterdisposed in the blue pixel area may be in a range of about 0% to 10%,for example, in a range of 1% to 5%, inclusive.

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal display according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 62.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 62 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 50 and FIG. 51, the duplicativedescription thereof will not be provided. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 62 is different from the above-described embodiments in that acolor filter is disposed at a portion of the fourth color pixel area,and hereinafter, will be described in more detail.

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention. For convenience of explanation, the illustration of the firstsubstrate, the liquid crystal layer, the light source, and/or the likeis omitted, but should be apparent from the illustration of the firstsubstrate, the liquid crystal layer, the light source, and/or the likeprovided in FIG. 50.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B). A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern may be formed of at least one of the firstcolor filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the third colorfilter 230B. As shown in FIG. 62, the second color filter 230G and thethird color filter 230B are disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W). However, embodiments of the present invention are not limitedthereto. For example, the first color filter 230R may be disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) instead of the second color filter 230Gand/or the third color filter 230B. However, the selection of colorfilters may be further varied. In some embodiments, the green filterand/or the blue filter may be formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) to prevent or reduce a yellowish phenomenon thereof.

Referring to FIG. 62, the second color filter 230G and the third colorfilter 230B are each disposed at a portion of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W). The second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230Bmay be formed to have various shapes at different positions. Forexample, the second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230Bmay be respectively disposed at either edge of the fourth color pixelarea PX(W).

The thickness of the second color filter 230G disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W) may be similar to the thickness of the secondcolor filter 230G disposed in the second color pixel area PX(G). Thethickness of the third color filter 230B disposed in the fourth colorpixel area PX(W) may be similar to the thickness of the third colorfilter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B).

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, when at least oneof the first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and thethird color filter 230B are formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W),and the area ratios of the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B) areadjusted, it is possible to enable color coordinates of the white lightpassing through the fourth color pixel area PX(W) to approach colorcoordinates of the white light obtained from the separate light beamsthat first pass through the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), and PX(B) and arethen combined.

The light-blocking member 220 may be further disposed at or near theboundaries between the first color pixel area PX(R), the second colorpixel area PX(G), the third color pixel area PX(B), and the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). An overcoat 240 may be further disposed on the firstcolor filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, the third color filter230B, and the light-blocking member 220.

The second color filter 230G disposed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) and the second color filter 230G disposed in the second colorpixel area PX(G) can be formed by the same process. Further, the thirdcolor filter 230B disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) and thethird color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B) canbe formed by the same process. Hereinafter, a process for forming acolor filter on a second substrate in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 63 to FIG. 65.

FIG. 63 to FIG. 65 are cross-sectional schematic views illustrating oneor more acts of a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 63, the light-blocking member 220 is disposed on thesecond substrate 210. The light-blocking member 220 is disposed at ornear the boundaries between the pixel areas PX(R), PX(G), PX(B), andPX(W).

A first color organic material is coated on the second substrate 210 andis patterned to form the first color filter 230R. The first color filter230R is disposed in the first color pixel area PX(R).

As shown in FIG. 64, a second color organic material is coated on thesecond substrate 210 and is patterned to form the second color filter230G. The second color filter 230G is disposed in the second color pixelarea PX(G) and a portion of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). In thiscase, the thickness of the second color filter 230G disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) is similar to the thickness of the secondcolor filter 230G disposed in the second color pixel area PX(G). Here,the second color filter 230G can be formed in the fourth color pixelarea PX(W) without using a halftone mask or a slit mask.

As shown in FIG. 65, a third color organic material is coated on thesecond substrate 210 and is patterned to form the third color filter230B. The third color filter 230B is disposed in the third color pixelarea PX(B) and a portion of the fourth color pixel area PX(W). In thiscase, the thickness of the third color filter 230B disposed in thefourth color pixel area PX(W) is similar to the thickness of the thirdcolor filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B). Here,the third color filter 230B can be formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W) without using a halftone mask or a slit mask.

Next, the overcoat 240 is formed on the first color filter 230R, thesecond color filter 230G, and the third color filter 230B. The overcoat240 is formed to cover the first color filter 230R, the second colorfilter 230G, and the third color filter 230B to perform planarization.

As described above, the second color filter 230G and the third colorfilter 230B are formed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), and theovercoat 240 is formed thereon. However, embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. A white filter may be additionallyformed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W). This will be describedfurther with reference to FIG. 66.

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 66, in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), the secondcolor filter 230G and the third color filter 230B are formed on thesecond substrate 210, and the white filter 230W is further disposed inthe fourth color pixel area PX(W). For example, the white filter 230Wmay be disposed at a portion of the fourth color pixel area PX(W) atwhich the second color filter 230G and the third color filter 230B arenot disposed and may be further formed on the second color filter 230Gand the third color filter 230B. The white filter 230W may be formed ofa transparent photoresist through which all wavelength bands of visiblerays can pass, but is not limited thereto.

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 67.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 67 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 62, the duplicative description thereofwill not be provided. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 67 is differentfrom the above-described embodiments in that only one color filter isdisposed in the fourth color pixel area, and hereinafter, will bedescribed in more detail.

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B). A color pattern is formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern includes the second color filter 230G. Thesecond color filter 230G may be a green filter.

The second color filter 230G is disposed at a portion of the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W). The thickness of the second color filter 230Gdisposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is similar to thethickness of the second color filter 230G disposed in the second colorpixel area PX(G).

While in the above-described embodiments, two different color filtersare disposed in the fourth color pixel area PX(W), in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 67, only one color filter is disposed in the fourthcolor pixel area PX(W).

Next, a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 68.

Since the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 68 is substantially the same asthe liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 67, the duplicative description thereofwill not be provided. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 68 is differentfrom the above-described embodiments in that the kinds of the colorfilters utilized are different, and will be described in more detail.

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

The first color filter 230R, the second color filter 230G, and the thirdcolor filter 230B are respectively disposed in the first color pixelarea PX(R), the second color pixel area PX(G), and the third color pixelarea PX(B). A color pattern may be formed in the fourth color pixel areaPX(W), and the color pattern includes the third color filter 230B. Thethird color filter 230B may be a blue filter.

The third color filter 230B is disposed at a portion of the fourth colorpixel area PX(W). The thickness of the third color filter 230B disposedin the fourth color pixel area PX(W) is similar to the thickness of thethird color filter 230B disposed in the third color pixel area PX(B).

Next, the transmittance according to an area ratio of a color filterdisposed in the white pixel area of a liquid crystal display accordingto one or more embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIG. 69.

FIG. 69 is a graph illustrating transmittance according to an area ratioof a color filter disposed in a white pixel area of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In the graph of FIG. 69, the horizontal axis indicates an area ratio ofa respective color filter disposed in the white pixel area. For example,if the blue filter is disposed in the white pixel area, the horizontalaxis indicates a ratio of the area occupied by the blue filter to theentire area of the white pixel area. Similarly, if the green filter isdisposed in the white pixel area, the horizontal axis indicates a ratioof the area occupied by the green filter to the entire area of the whitepixel area.

In the graph of FIG. 69, the vertical axis indicates transmittance, andthe transmittance of the liquid crystal display exclusively includingred, blue, and green pixel areas is set as the reference and isillustrated at 100%.

When the color filter is disposed in the white pixel area, thetransmittance is reduced as the area of the color filter is increased.This is at least partially because the amount of light passing throughthe white pixel area is reduced as the area occupied by the color filterin the white pixel area is increased.

When the green filter is disposed in the white pixel area, thetransmittance reduction is significantly small. In contrast, when theblue filter is disposed in the white pixel area, the transmittancereduction is increased as compared with the case when the green filteris disposed in the white pixel area.

Next, the change in color coordinates according to an area ratio of acolor filter disposed in the white pixel area of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIG. 70.

FIG. 70 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of a liquid crystaldisplay according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

From the wavelength bands of light supplied from the light source, a redwavelength band of light passes through the red pixel area, a greenwavelength band of light passes through the green pixel area, and a bluewavelength band of light passes through the blue pixel area. These redwavelength, green wavelength, and blue wavelength bands of light arethen combined into white light. The color coordinates of the white lightobtained in this way are different from the color coordinates of thewhite light passing through the white pixel area at which no colorfilter is formed.

When the blue filter and/or the green filter is disposed in the whitepixel area, it is possible to shift a position of color coordinates ofthe white light passing through the white pixel area at which no colorfilter is formed. Moreover, as the area of the color filter disposed inthe white pixel area is increased, the position of the color coordinatesis shifted further. For example, when the blue filter is disposed in thewhite pixel area, both x-axis and y-axis positions of the colorcoordinates are reduced. When the green filter is disposed in the whitepixel area, the x-axis position of the color coordinates is notsignificantly changed and the y-axis position thereof is increased.Accordingly, when the blue filter and the green filter are both disposedin the white pixel area, the position of the color coordinates isshifted according to a vector sum of the color coordinates shift of theblue filter and the color coordinates shift of the green filter.

As illustrated in FIG. 70, when the area ratios of the green filter andthe blue filter disposed in the white pixel area are respectively about20% and about 12%, the color coordinates of the white light passingthrough the white pixel area are closest to the color coordinates of thewhite light obtained when separate beams first pass through the red,green, and blue pixel areas and are then combined. However, embodimentsof the present invention are not limited thereto and area ratios of thegreen filter and the blue filter may be varied.

Further, when the transmittance is considered, the area ratios of thegreen filter and the blue filter disposed in the white pixel area may bereduced further.

In some embodiments, to further improve the transmittance and the colorcoordinates, the area ratio of the green filter disposed in the whitepixel area to the white pixel area may be in a range of about 0% to 25%,for example, in a range of 10% to 25%, inclusive.

Similarly, the area ratio of the blue filter disposed in the white pixelarea to the white pixel area may be in a range of about 0% to 20%, forexample, in a range of 8% to 15%, inclusive.

Hereinafter, the change in color coordinates of a liquid crystal displayaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention andcorresponding change of a luminance thereof will be described withreference to FIG. 71, FIG. 72, and Table 9.

FIG. 71 is a graph illustrating transmittance spectra of a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, FIG. 72 is a graph illustrating color coordinates of a liquidcrystal display according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, and Table 9 illustrates a luminance and color coordinates ofa liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 71, most of all the wavelength band of light passesthrough a white pixel area in which no pattern is formed, and a redwavelength band of light passes through the red pixel area in which thered filter is formed. A green wavelength band of light passes throughthe green pixel area in which the green filter is formed, and a bluewavelength band of light passes through the blue pixel area in which theblue filter is formed.

In embodiments where the green filter and the blue filter are thinlyformed and are stacked in a white pixel area, the green wavelength bandof light mostly passes therethrough and the blue and red wavelengths oflight are partially blocked. In embodiments where the green filter andthe blue filter are separately disposed in a white pixel area, allwavelength bands of light are blocked little by little. In theaforementioned embodiments, all wavelength bands of light mostly passthrough the white pixel area, thereby forming white light.

Referring to FIG. 72, color coordinates of light passing through thewhite pixel area having no pattern (e.g., when no color filters areformed in the white pixel area) are different from color coordinates oflight obtained from the separate beams that first pass through the red,green, and blue pixel areas and are then combined.

In the embodiments where the green filter and the blue filter are thinlyformed and are stacked in the white pixel area, color coordinates oflight passing through the white pixel area having no pattern are similarto the color coordinates of light obtained from the separate beams thatfirst pass through the red, green, and blue pixel areas and are thencombined. In the embodiments where the green filter and the blue filterare separately disposed in the white pixel area, color coordinates oflight passing through the white pixel area having no pattern are similarto the color coordinates of light obtained from the separate beams thatfirst pass through the red, green, and blue pixel areas and are thencombined.

Referring to Table 9, the white pixel area in which the green filter andthe blue filter are thinly formed and are stacked exhibits betterluminance than the white pixel area in which the green and blue filtersare separately disposed.

TABLE 9 White Red, White pixel White pixel in which pixel green,including green and blue filters having no and blue green and areseparately pattern pixels blue filters disposed luminance — 100% 102%88% color X 0.335 0.322 0.322 0.322 coordinates y 0.335 0.346 0.3460.346

The color coordinates of the light passing through the white pixel areawith no color filter are (0.335, 0.335), and the color coordinates ofthe light obtained from the separate beams that first pass through thered, green, and blue pixel areas and are then combined are (0.322,0.346).

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a greenfilter and a blue filter may be formed in the white pixel area to enablethe color coordinates of the light passing through the white pixel areato be similar to the color coordinates of the light obtained from theseparate beams that first pass through the red, green, and blue pixelareas and are then combined.

In the embodiments where the white pixel area includes the green filterand the blue filter that are thinly formed and stacked, the colorcoordinates can be shifted by adjusting the thicknesses thereof. Whenthe color coordinates of the light passing through the white pixel areaare (0.322, 0.346), a high level luminance of about 102% can beobtained.

In the embodiments where the white pixel area includes the green filterand the blue filter that are separately disposed, the color coordinatescan also be shifted by adjusting the area thereof. However, in contrastto the previously described embodiment, when the color coordinates ofthe light passing through the white pixel area are (0.322, 0.346), arelatively low level luminance of about 88% is obtained.

Accordingly, the white pixel area in which the green filter and the bluefilter are thinly formed and stacked can exhibit significantly betterluminance.

However, the white pixel area in which the green filter and the bluefilter are separately disposed can exhibit better side color shift byforming the blue filter to have a thickness that is different from thatof another color filter (e.g., the green filter).

While this invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, onthe contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalentarrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereof.

Description of Symbols  3: liquid crystal layer 110: first substrate121: gate line 131: storage electrode line 133: storage electrode 171:data line 191: pixel electrode 191h: first subpixel electrode 191l:second subpixel electrode 198: slit 210: second substrate 220:light-blocking member 230R: first color filter 230G: second color filter230B: third color filter 270: common electrode

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display comprising: a firstcolor pixel area, a second color pixel area, a third color pixel area,and a white pixel area; a first substrate and a second substrate facingthe substrate; a first color filter disposed in each of the first colorpixel area and the white pixel area on any one of the first substrateand the second substrate, the first color filter being the only colorfilter in the white pixel area; a second color filter disposed in thesecond color pixel area on any one of the first substrate and the secondsubstrate; a third color filter disposed in the third color pixel areaon any one of the first substrate and the second substrate; and a liquidcrystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate,wherein the first color filter is entirely disposed in the white pixelarea, and wherein a thickness of the first color filter in the whitepixel area is smaller than a thickness of the first color filter in thefirst color pixel area.
 2. The liquid crystal display of claim 1,wherein the first color filter is a green color filter or a blue colorfilter.
 3. The liquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein the firstcolor filter is a green color filter, and a thickness difference betweenthe first color filter in the white pixel area and the first colorfilter in the first color pixel area is in a range of 0% to 20%.
 4. Theliquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein the first color filter is agreen color filter, and a thickness difference between the first colorfilter in the white pixel area and the first color filter in the firstcolor pixel area is in a range of 5% to 10%, inclusive.
 5. The liquidcrystal display of claim 2, wherein the first color filter is a bluecolor filter, and a thickness difference between the first color filterin the white pixel area and the first color filter in the first colorpixel area is in a range of 0% to 10%.
 6. The liquid crystal display ofclaim 2, wherein the first color filter is a blue color filter, and athickness difference between the first color filter in the white pixelarea and the first color filter in the first color pixel area is in arange of 1% to 5%, inclusive.
 7. A liquid crystal display comprising: afirst color pixel area, a second color pixel area, a third color pixelarea, and a white pixel area; a first substrate and a second substratefacing the substrate; a first color filter disposed in each of the firstcolor pixel area and the white pixel area on any one of the firstsubstrate and the second substrate; a second color filter disposed inthe second color pixel area on any one of the first substrate and thesecond substrate; a third color filter disposed in the third color pixelarea on any one of the first substrate and the second substrate; and aliquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate, wherein the first color filter is entirely disposed in thewhite pixel area, wherein a thickness of the first color filter in thewhite pixel area is smaller than a thickness of the first color filterin the first color pixel area, and wherein the second color filter is ineach of the second color pixel area and the white pixel area.
 8. Theliquid crystal display of claim 7, wherein the first color filter is agreen color filter, and the second color filter is a blue color filter.9. The liquid crystal display of claim 8, wherein a thickness ratio ofthe first color filter in the white pixel area to the first color filterin the first color pixel area is in a range of 0% to 20%, and wherein athickness ratio of the second color filter in the white pixel area tothe second color filter in the second color pixel area is in a range of0% to 10%, inclusive.
 10. The liquid crystal display of claim 9, whereina thickness ratio of the first color filter in the white pixel area tothe first color filter in the first color pixel area is in a range of 5%to 10%, inclusive, and a thickness ratio of the second color filter inthe white pixel area to the second color filter in the second colorpixel area is in a range of 1% to 5%, inclusive.
 11. The liquid crystaldisplay of claim 7, wherein the second color filter is entirely disposedin the white pixel area, and wherein the thickness of the second colorfilter in the white pixel area is smaller than the thickness of thesecond color filter in the second color pixel area.
 12. The liquidcrystal display of claim 11, wherein, in the white pixel area, thesecond color filter is on the first color filter.